The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of diet and physical activity behaviors on weight status and lipid profiles in low-income women in early postpartum. In addition, the relationship of nutrition knowledge with dietary intakes was evaluated. A convenience sample of low-income mothers was recruited from public health clinics, community centers, and doctor's offices. Inclusion criteria was Hispanic, African American, or Caucasian ethnicity; body mass index (BMI) [greater-than or equal to] 25 kg/m², low-income (annual household income <185% federal poverty line); parity<3 and ability to speak and write English. Demographic, dietary (24-hr recalls and 2 day food intake recalls), psychosocial, anthropometric, serum lipids (LDL, HDL and total cholesterol and triglycerides) and physical activity (pedometer steps) data were collected. For study 1, the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) scores were computed as a measure of diet quality in a sample of 125 women. Analysis of Covariance and linear regression was performed to determine the relationship between HEI-2005 and serum lipids. The mean total index score of the sample was 51.4 and was associated inversely with BMI ([beta]=-0.117), LDL ([beta]=-.659) and total ([beta]=-.690) and positively with HDL ([beta]=.216) (P<0.05). Less than 20% of the sample failed to meet the recommendations for fruits, total vegetables, whole grains and oil and 60% had overconsumption of solid fats, alcohol and added sugars. In study 2, snacking frequency and choices of 134 postpartum women were evaluated. Influence of snacking frequency on HEI-2005 scores and disparities in snack choices by BMI categories was assessed by performing ANCOVA. A majority of the sample (82%) consumed snacks and the most favored snack group was sweets and desserts. Increase in snacking frequency was associated with higher mean total HEI-2005 scores, and total fruit, dark green vegetables and legumes, total grains, and saturated fat (P<0.05) component scores when adjusted for energy intakes. Snacking frequency was also associated with higher intakes of protein, vitamins A and C, and calcium (P<0.05). In study 3, 66 new mothers participated and completed an 8-week weight loss intervention promoting exercise by using pedometers. Paired t test revealed improvement in physical activity after intervention. Linear regression analysis determined the ability of pedometer steps to predict weight loss ([beta]=0.465), % body fat ([beta]=-0.316), triglycerides ([beta]=-0.549), LDL ([beta]=-0.391) and total cholesterol ([beta]=-0.418). In study 4, a nutrition knowledge scale was developed and validated in new mothers. Knowledge was associated with greater consumption of grains, low fat meats and dairy (P<0.01), fiber (p<0.01), calcium (p<0.001), and iron (p<0.05). Participants appeared to be more cognizant of information about vitamins and minerals and weight management and less of energy nutrients and calorie counting. Hierarchical regression model identified age, education, ethnicity and income as determinants of knowledge. / text

A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been strongly associated with weight management, improved overall health, and decreased incidence of chronic disease. Availability of locally grown produce is associated with a higher intake of fruits and vegetables; there were 7,864 farmers markets operating in the U.S. in 2012, a 9.6% increase from 2011. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, nutrition knowledge, and dietary habits of farmers market patrons at ten diverse markets in Kentucky. A total of 153 surveys were collected; the average age of study participants was 46 ± 21 year. Respondents reported consuming an average of 2.1 ± 1.3 fruit servings and 2.9 ± 1.6 vegetable servings per day. As well, 49% of the market patrons indicated they had an advanced or professional knowledge of nutrition. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being "extremely important", 59% of the patrons ranked having nutrition information listed on recipes as an 8 or above. Market patrons are specifically interested in the salt (87%), fat (74%), and calorie (72%) content of recipes. Results indicate that most farmers market patrons have a good knowledge of nutrition and are interested in evaluating nutrition information.

Nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, body composition and perceived sport performance were measured before and after an eight week nutrition intervention. The sample consisted of eleven male high school football athletes aged 14-18 years old. Baseline nutrition knowledge was higher than anticipated but fruit and vegetable intake was low. As a result of the nutrition intervention, vegetable intake improved from 0.94 servings per day to 2.02 servings per day (p=0.02). Of the eleven subjects in the study, eleven conceded to both performing and feeling better as a result of the nutrition intervention. The present study suggests that a nutrition intervention can improve dietary intake and perceived sport performance among adolescent athletes.

No description available.

No description available.

The basis of dietary habits is linked to an individuals’ nutrition knowledge; for collegiate athletes this is the difference between optimal performance and falling short. To understand how nutrition information is disseminated to student-athletes, this research surveyed the athletes themselves and their sports staff (coaches, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning specialists) on their current knowledge. Sport staff and student-athletes at East Tennessee State University were given the opportunity to participate in a 52-question online survey that tested both their general and sports-related nutrition knowledge. While the study sample size did not allow for statistical analyses required to address all three research questions, findings did indicate some variation between teams on measures of nutrition knowledge, and there was a statistically significant difference between sport staff and athletes’ general and sport nutrition knowledge. This study aimed to understand if nutrition knowledge of sport staff directly affects that of their corresponding athletes.

Background: The rate of overweight and obesity among adolescents aged 12-19 years has quadrupled since 1980. Reducing obesity is a key public health priority, as obesity is associated with individual and population-level health and economic consequences. Afterschool-based obesity prevention programs that aim to develop nutrition and culinary self-efficacy have shown promise. However, the level of aptitude among program instructors is directly correlated with student success, suggesting the importance of effective train-the-trainer (TTT) mechanisms for implementing and scaling up these strategies. Pink and Dude Chefs (PDC) is an afterschool nutrition education and culinary skills program for middle-school adolescents aged between 11-14 years. The PDC online TTT platform trains lay instructors on program content and preparation, lesson delivery, and classroom and kitchen safety. Trained instructors deliver PDC lessons on topics ranging from macronutrients and USDA MyPlate to knife skills and food preparation. The literature on online TTT models and instructor impact on student outcomes is limited and the PDC online training mechanism has not been evaluated. The current project sought to address these critical gaps with the aim of creating the most effective intervention model. Methods: This project was implemented in Santa Maria, Guadalupe, and New Cuyama, California from Fall 2015 to Spring 2016. Eleven instructors and 68 middle school students participated and comprehensive surveys were used to evaluate instructor and student outcomes. Results: Instructors’ performance on all three domains (food and kitchen safety, program knowledge, and overall knowledge) increased following training (45%, 63%, and 53%, respectively), all p≤0.01. Students outcomes (food and kitchen safety, nutrition knowledge, and overall knowledge) also improved following participation (14%, 33%, and 23%, respectively), all p≤0.001. Impact analyses revealed that students with instructors who scored high in overall knowledge performed better than students with low-scoring instructors (p=0.01). Conclusion: If obesity prevention programs that incorporate online TTT mechanisms, such as PDC, continue to show promising outcomes for both instructors and adolescents, larger scale efforts may contribute to decreasing the public health and economic burdens associated with obesity.

Breastfeeding is at its best when both the mother and infant benefit from the experience. Aim: To obtain data on the adequacy of the diet and nutrition knowledge of lactating women (0-6 months postpartum) living in a low socio-economic area in Nairobi. The findings could be used to plan future nutrition intervention programs. Research design: A cross-sectional survey in the quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. Health status indicators, socio-economic and cultural factors were additionally investigated as interactive factors that could influence the nutrient intake and nutrition knowledge of the lactating women. Setting: Mbagathi District Hospital, located at the edge of Kibera slum area in Nairobi. Sample: Lactating mothers (0-6 months postpartum), who were visiting the Maternal-Child Health Clinic to bring their children for immunisation, were recruited. Convenience sampling was used (N=120). Informed consent was obtained from the mothers in their home tongue. Methodology: Individual interviews in Swahili, using structured questionnaires (Socio biodemographic questionnaire, Hunger Scale, 24 Hour-recall, and Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire), and anthropometry (according to standard procedure) were done in the quantitative domain. Seven structured focus group discussions were employed in the qualitative domain. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used on the quantitative data, and Krueger‘s framework of analysis on the qualitative data. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria; Ref no EC 080922-039, and research permission was granted by the National Council for Science and Technology, Nairobi; Permit no NCST/5/002/R/355. Main findings: Majority of women (92%) had energy intakes between 5040 – 10080 kJ/day with the mean energy intake of 6975.5 kJ/day which was lower than the recommended 11340 kJ/day. Macronutrient intake was within the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges, whereas the micronutrients were consumed below the recommended dietary allowances (WHO). The mean adequacy ratio (excluding niacin) was 0.74. The highest frequency of consumption (100%) was from cereals, while the lowest were for vitamin A rich vegetables/fruits (6.6%) and dairy products (1.7%). Overall, the mean Food Variety Score (FVS) was 6.6 ( ± 2.0) and the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was 4.3 ( ± 1.0). Hunger assessment revealed 43 households that were food secure, whereas 77 households were either hungry or at risk of hunger. Majority of women (93%) had good nutrition knowledge but the rationale for applying the knowledge was lacking for most of the nutrition concepts. Socio-economic status, cultural beliefs and practices, health status and nutrition knowledge were all identified as probable factors that influenced the dietary intake of the lactating women. Recommendation: There seems to be a need for well-designed nutrition intervention programs focusing on nutrient intake from culturally acceptable and affordable foods to increase dietary diversity and food variety of lactating women in this low socio-economic area. With a concurrent increase in nutrition knowledge such interventions would improve their nutritional status. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Food Science / unrestricted

Abstract available in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

No description available.