<p> The purpose of this study was to compare the level of basic nutrition knowledge between future nutrition professionals, health professionals, and non-health professionals. Specifically, this study assessed and compared basic nutrition knowledge of nutrition, health-related, and non-health related undergraduate majors enrolled in an introductory nutrition course.</p><p> Participants for this study were recruited through convenience sampling from an introductory undergraduate nutrition class. An online basic nutrition knowledge exam was used to measure nutrition knowledge. Independent one-way ANOVA demonstrated there was no statistically significant difference in basic nutrition knowledge between nutrition, health-related, and non-health related undergraduate majors. Post-hoc analysis revealed there was no significant difference of basic nutrition knowledge between health-related majors and non-health related majors, and there was a significant difference in basic nutrition knowledge between nutrition majors and health-related majors as well as between nutrition majors and non-health related majors. Thus, the results demonstrate there was a statistically significant difference in basic nutrition knowledge between nutrition students, and either health-related, and non-health related undergraduate majors.</p>

<p> <i>Background:</i> With the increasing variety of snack foods containing probiotics infiltrating the market, it is important that consumers become more aware and knowledgeable about these products. <i>Purpose: </i> The aim of this study was to investigate consumer behaviors by assessing frequently consumed snacks, knowledge about probiotics, and awareness of snack foods containing probiotics among students across various disciplines within a university setting. <i>Methods:</i> There were 125 college students (<i>n</i> = 34 male, <i>n</i> = 91 female) recruited, all 18 years and older, and evaluated via a 19-item questionnaire using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Gabriel&rsquo;s post hoc test. Level of significance was set at <i>p</i> &le; 0.05. <i>Results:</i> There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge about probiotics among the colleges, <i>p</i> = 0.012. Specifically, students in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) were statistically significantly more knowledgeable than those in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) college, <i>p</i> = 0.010. There was no statistically significant difference in awareness of snack foods containing probiotics, <i>p</i> = 0.262. On average, participant&rsquo;s knowledge about probiotics was low (48.1%) and awareness of snack foods containing probiotics was very low (2.5%), though, a majority of participants (94.1%) were aware that yogurt contained probiotics. <i> Conclusion:</i> Overall, these findings should guide food product developers and marketers to create products that are relevant and messages that enhance consumer&rsquo;s knowledge and awareness to the existence of the probiotics in that product.</p><p>

<p> Low-income populations in the United States consume less healthful diets than higher-income populations, specifically relating to fruit and vegetable consumption. The supplemental nutrition program Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is intended to bridge this gap by providing nutrition education and vouchers for nutritious foods. The purpose of this study was to determine if the 2009 WIC food package revisions impacted fruit and green vegetable consumption in 18 to 24-year-old females in California. Using the social ecological model as a guide, a population of WIC (<i>N</i> = 115) and non-WIC (<i>N</i> = 276) participants from the California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey were analyzed for trends on daily fruit and green vegetable consumption over the period of years 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015. ANCOVA analysis showed that WIC and non-WIC populations did not consume significantly different amounts of green vegetables, but did consume significantly different amounts of fruits, <i>p</i> = .120 and <i> p</i> = .028 respectively. Additionally, WIC participant fruit consumption did not significantly increase over the years, <i>p</i> = .376. However, a decrease of .031 (95% CI [.019, .584], <i>p</i> = .037) was identified in green vegetable consumption between 2009 and 2015. Due to mean differences between samples and years it is evident that there are influencing factors driving fruit and vegetable consumption outside of income barriers, such as possible social or environmental factors. This study adds to the literature regarding the WIC food package revisions and may promote positive social change by encouraging future researchers to identify barriers to healthful diets in WIC populations and determine if additional food package revisions may be needed to increase healthful diets in low-income populations. </p><p>

<p> Proper nutrition during early life is imperative for growth and development. Furthermore, infant growth is measured with CDC or WHO standards, as a static or change (longitudinal) outcome. There is a need to define optimal growth in relation to feeding practices, especially in diverse samples. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between infant feeding practices (breastfeeding, formula, mixed feeding (both formula and breastmilk) and complementary foods) in infants aged six months or less using the modified Infant Feeding Practices Study II (mIFPS II) questionnaire and indicators of growth (i.e. weight-for-age, weight-for-length and head circumference zscores/percentiles) in the same infants up to 12 months of age using WHO growth charts.</p><p> The validated mIFPS II questionnaire was administered to 247 caretakers of infants between 28 days and six months of age in a pediatric outpatient clinic located in Chicago, IL. At least two time points for growth data were collected for 149 of the 247 infants surveyed. We examined demographic correlates of infant feeding practices in relation to WHO growth indicators using chi-square and Kruskal Wallis tests with SPSS, version 23 (IBM, Chicago, IL). Weight status was categorized according to WHO growth chart standards using weight-for-length z-scores. Additionally, rapid weight gain was defined as a change in weight-for-age z-score of &ge;0.67 between birth and six months of age. Logistic regression using rapid weight gain was conducted with feeding practice as the predictor and additional demographic covariates.</p><p> The largest proportion of our 149 caretakers was African American (37%), with 46% having a college degree of above and 48% being enrolled in WIC. Of the infants, 32% were formula fed, 18% were breastfed, 25% were mixed fed and 25% were complementary fed. Feeding practices were associated with caretaker race-ethnicity, caretaker education level and WIC enrollment. Nearly 40% of infants demonstrated rapid weight gain by 6 months with weight gain being significantly less among exclusively breastfed infants as compared to mixed fed infants. Those who were complementary fed were almost five times more likely to have rapid weight gain than those breastfed exclusively.</p><p> Our findings suggest that various demographic correlates are associated with feeding practices. Exclusive breastfeeding may have a protective effect on obesity. However, more growth data are needed to adequately characterize correlates of infant growth perfoililance in this diverse sample. Accrual of caretaker/infant dyads are ongoing.</p><p>

<p> The number of older adults facing food insecurity is on the rise. As an attempt to reduce food insecurity at a policy level, nutrition incentive programs such as Market Match have been available within the community at participating Farmers Markets. An ecological framework was used in this study to assess the impact of Market Match on intrapersonal, interpersonal, community and policy factors that contribute to food insecurity for older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall impact of Market Match among older adults by measuring participants&rsquo; Market Match satisfaction through feasibility and accessibility. Findings from this study suggests programs such as Market Match may be beneficial in reducing food insecurity among older adults.</p><p>

<p> Adventists following a plant-based diet have half the prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes than nonvegetarian Adventists. This study used a quantitative, correlational study design to assess if there was a significant difference in type 2 diabetes prevalence rate between Adventists and non-Adventists preprogram, and if there were significant differences in biometrics between Adventists and non-Adventists with diabetes pre- and post-Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP). This study incorporated the social ecological model for its conceptual framework and examined pre- and postprogram changes among Adventists (<i>n</i>=210; 20.1%) and non-Adventists (<i> n</i>=836; 79.9%) with type 2 diabetes. It used secondary data from participants in the volunteer-delivered CHIP intervention from 2006 to 2012 (<i>n </i>=7,172), a whole foods, plant-based, vegan health program. Analysis showed a significant difference in the pre-CHIP diabetic state between the two groups in step one, but not after controlling for covariates in step two (OR=0.96 and 0.91; <i>CI</i>=1.21 and 1.24). A repeated measures MANOVA analysis indicated that religious affiliation (Adventist or non-Adventist) was the determining factor in improved biometric outcomes pre- and post-CHIP for TC (<i>F</i>(1) = 5.65; <i>p</i> = 0.02), and LDL (<i>F</i>(1) = 5.76; <i>p</i> = 0.02) but not for HDL (<i>F</i>(1) = 0.00; <i>p</i> = 0.99), TG (<i>F</i>(1) = 0.19, <i>p</i> = 0.67), FPG (<i>F</i>(1) = 2.71, <i> p</i> = 0.10), SBP (<i>F</i>(1) = 2.25; <i>p</i> = 0.13), DBP (<i>F</i>(1) = 1.20; <i>p</i> = 0.27), and BMI (<i>F</i>(1) = 1.65; <i>p</i> = 0.20). However, both groups improved post-CHIP in all biometrics. The implications for positive social change from this study showed that CHIP is an effective lifestyle model for improving type 2 diabetes outcomes for both Adventists and non-Adventists, a model that does not involve the use of pharmaceuticals.</p>

<p> Alzheimer&rsquo;s disease (AD) is the most common irreversible form of dementia and accounts for 60&ndash;80% of all dementia cases. It is not a normal part of aging and causes memory problems and other cognitive dysfunctions that may result in unpredictable changes in behavior. AD can be caused by many factors. Recently, Vitamin D deficiency has been recognized as a risk factor for AD. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are major health problems affecting 1 billion people worldwide, across all ethnicities and age groups. Unfortunately, public knowledge about Vitamin D deficiency and risk of AD is limited. The creation of two leaflets as informational tools for experts/professionals and families/caregivers/participants of Alzheimer&rsquo;s Orange County was the goal of this project. The leaflets were reviewed by experts in the field and revisions were made. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of the leaflets on increasing knowledge about Vitamin D and AD.</p><p>

<p> <i>Purpose:</i> To determine if personality style is related to perceptions of health coaching and if there is a relationship between perceptions of health coaching and the ability to lose weight. <i>Methods:</i> Data was gathered from approximately 2,000 MR program participants via an electronic survey. The Client Evaluation of Motivational Interviewing scale was used to determine if perceptions of health coaching affect the ability to lose weight. The Ten Item Personality Inventory was used to determine if personality style is associated with the perception of health coaching. Self-reported start weight and current weight were used to calculate percent of starting weight. Linear regression was used to determine the specific aims. Statistical analysis was controlled for age and sex. <i>Results:</i> Participants who reported a greater satisfaction with their health coaches&rsquo; knowledge, ability, time, support, and relationship displayed a greater weight loss than those who were not satisfied. Satisfaction with the relationship/connection with health coach was associated with extraversion (<i>p</i> = .039). Satisfaction with support of the health coach was associated with emotional stability (<i>p</i> = .061). <i>Conclusion:</i> Positive perceptions of health coaching influence weight loss in MR program participants. Some personality styles indicated satisfaction with specific aspects of health coaching. However, it can be assumed that personality is not the sole determining factor for health coaching perceptions.</p><p>

<p> Type 2 diabetes is a chronic illness costing over $300 billion per year in the United States with an estimated 100 million individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Complications due to diabetes place individuals at increased risk for heart attack, stroke, amputations, blindness, kidney failure, disability, and early death. Education has been shown to be effective in improving health behaviors that decrease complications due to diabetes. Common risk factors for development of diabetes are modifiable behaviors such as sedentary lifestyle and obesity. </p><p> A peer-led approach to diabetes education has the potential to overcome multiple barriers to receiving education. Peer-led diabetes education can provide education at low or no cost in communities where individuals feel welcomed and travel is minimized. Diabetes education has the potential to decrease disability, early death, and the economic costs of diabetes. </p><p> The purpose of this study was to determine if peer-led sessions on diabetes self-management impacted health behaviors, empowerment, and knowledge of diabetes. Four topic-driven educational sessions were provided for participants in Northeast Arkansas who had either a diagnosis of pre-diabetes or diabetes. Pre and post-questionnaires were used to assess changes in knowledge using the Revised Diabetes Knowledge Test, empowerment using the Diabetes Empowerment Scale - Short Form, and health behaviors. </p><p> A statistically significant difference was found in the empowerment scale with an increase in mean scores from 31.23 to 36.04. A paired samples t-test found a statistically significant difference in scores on Diabetes Knowledge Test, (t (25) = &ndash;2.54, p &lt; .05). Significant changes in health behaviors were found for knowledge of A1C levels, the frequency of foot exams, and days of exercise per week. </p><p> Focus groups following intervention provided qualitative results indicating satisfaction with the peer-led model. In order to implement peer-led education, there is a need to develop improved strategies for recruitment. A peer-led model for diabetes education has potential to provide needed education.</p><p>

<p> This dissertation consists of two substudies. The objectives of Substudy 1 were as follows: 1) to examine changes in obesity rates throughout elementary school in a large sample of children with respect to socioecological factors, especially trends in body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of &ldquo;severe high obesity&rdquo; during elementary school, and 2) to explore the longitudinal effect of socioecological obesogenic factors (including individual, parental, familial, and environmental factors) on the transition from a normal/healthy weight to being overweight or obese among children aged three to 13 years old. This longitudinal panel study used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Program (ECLS-K). A modified socioecological model was used as a conceptual framework to guide the investigation of this study&rsquo;s research questions. Two longitudinal ordered regressions were performed to determine the associations between socioecological obesogenic variables (e.g., family activity and parental involvement) and changes in obesity rates, as well as the transition from a normal/healthy weight to being overweight, obese, or severely obese. A total of 1,264 children (representing 379,297 at the population level) were identified for this study (mean age: 5.24 years; female: 48.7% at baseline). Hispanics and other nonwhite children, children with less socioeconomic and environmental support, and children living in households with fewer family members were more likely than their counterparts to gain weight (all <i>p</i>s &lt; 0.05). This study revealed multiple dimensions of how sociological obesogenic factors influence children&rsquo;s weight increases and transitions in a longitudinal setting. Unhealthy BMI status among children was affected not only by individual factors but also by parents, family, and environments. Parents and family play a crucial role in children&rsquo;s physical activity and nutrition, and obtaining family and environmental support is critically important for maintaining a healthy BMI status. The findings suggest that a greater focus on family and social support is necessary to help children maintain a healthy weight over time. </p><p> Substudy 2 aimed to investigate the association between the Head Start Program and children&rsquo;s BMI status, as well as their quality of life with respect to socioecological obesogenic factors. This cross-sectional study employed the ECLS-K as well. A propensity-score matching analysis was performed to examine the association between the Head Start Program and children&rsquo;s BMI status, as well as the quality of life, controlling for socioecological obesogenic factors. A total of 3,753 children (representing 1,284,209 at the population level) were recruited for this study (mean age: 13.69 years; female: 49.42%). In the final matched model, the Head Start Program did not have a statistically significant effect on children&rsquo;s obesity. Children who were African American, had less participation in school-sponsored activities, perceived themselves as overweight, lived in a household with fewer family members, and had less strict TV regulations were more likely to be overweight than their counterparts (all <i>p</i>s &lt; 0.05). Evidence suggests that multiple dimensions of sociological obesogenic factors&mdash;including individual as well as parental, familial, and community support factors&mdash;affect the weight of children from low-income families and should be considered when establishing behavioral and policy interventions to thwart the childhood obesity epidemic.</p><p>