Interrelationships among attitudes toward and practice of nutrition and health were determined from results of 335 responses to a survey mailed to members of a prepaid health plan in Portland, Oregon, in the Spring of 1981. The scales used to test attitudes included Subjective Index of General Well-Being, Health Locus of Control and the attitude "nutrition is important". Nutrition practices were determined from a one-day food record analyzed using Pennington's index nutrients. Health practices, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, hours of sleep, body weight in relation to standards and meal frequency, were analyzed to form a health practice score. Demographic characteristics of the population, including sex, age, marital status, employment status, education and income, were determined and correlated with all attitudes and practices. Interrelationships were tested using Pearson r and Chi-square correlations and multiple regression analysis. The population studied was characterized as married, employed, well educated and middle income. They felt well and in control of their health. Approximately 52 percent practiced several desirable health practices, about 90 percent had a positive attitude toward nutrition and only 22 percent scored above at least 66 percent of Dietary Nutrient Score considered adequate for adults while 33 percent had diets which did not meet 50 percent of this score. This study using members of a prepaid health plan supports the existing literature. Nutrition attitude, "nutrition is important," is correlated to nutrient intake. Health attitudes, general well-being and health locus of control, were correlated to health practices. In this study correlations among general well-being, health locus of control, nutrition attitude, health practices and nutrition practices were noted, however the correlations were not large enough to be predictive. Further study is recommended to define and develop these relationships. / Graduation date: 1982

This study is intended to provide information about the situation of first-generation Vietnamese women to the IRCO Parent and Child Program Department in Portland, Oregon. Nutrition intervention and food assistance currently offered to Vietnamese women enrolled in this program is the focus of the study. The women interviewed characterize themselves and their eating patterns as Vietnamese, though many changes in practice and concept reflect those of American culture. The study reveals several categories of food acculturation that act both separately and influence the development of each other. These categories are diet, taste, solutions, and concepts. Recommendations are made according to the categories and process of acculturation demonstrated by the participating women and the effects of this process on the health of the women and their families. / Graduation date: 2004