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<p> The purpose of this paper is to determine whether zoning regulations constrain the builder in his or her ability to provide low-income housing units in Hamilton. It critically reviews five impediments to the provision of low-income housing and the application of urban managerialism to the low-income housing supply problem. An explanation of the degree to which the zoning revision process impedes large and small builders is given. An examination of three specific dimensions of zoning and the extent to which these dimensions constrain the builder follows. These dimensions are (i) inflexibility, (ii) the procedural and temporal framework and (iii) "full-up" zones. The analysis showed insufficient evidence existed to substantiate or falsify the hypothesis that zoning regulations impede the builder's ability to provide low-income housing units. </p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Results indicate that structural factors are highly predictive of paternal commitment and paternal involvement among low-income African American fathers, thus lending strong credence to the structural barriers perspective. Moreover, while findings also indicate that several cultural factors are associated with paternal involvement (e.g., attitudes toward single motherhood and low self-efficacy), they are at odds with the cultural deficiency perspective. These results have both theoretical and policy implications. With respect to fatherhood theory, findings derived from this research call for a much-needed theoretical integration in studying paternal commitment and paternal involvement among low-income African American fathers; that is, to synthesize and integrate a structurally sound theory with a culturally sensitive approach, such as the cultural resiliency perspective. This research also suggests that public policy-makers should be aware of the adaptive strategies that many low-income African American fathers employ in order to be actively involved with their children, especially those who are young.

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Low-income older adults are at high risk for developing diet-related chronic diseases. Nutrition education programs can improve dietary and lifestyle practices, thereby decreasing the incidence of diet-related diseases. Focus groups were conducted to gain insight into the needs and preferences of low-income older adults for nutrition education. Results were made available for use in the Smart Choices Nutrition Education Program at Virginia Tech to aid in the development of nutrition education programs. Four focus groups were conducted with a total of 35 elderly (28 females; 7 males), ages 55-90+ years, recruited from Congregate Meal Program sites in four regions of Virginia. Seventeen were African American, and 18 were non-Hispanic white. Discussion questions addressed practices for purchasing and preparing foods, importance of food to health, and preferences for education methods. The Determine Your Nutritional Health Checklist of the Nutrition Screening Initiative was used to assess nutritional risk of the elderly adults. Focus group discussions were audio-taped and written transcripts were made for use in data analysis. Themes of the discussions were identified in that analysis and reported in the following broad areas: Factors that Influenced Dietary Practices of Focus Group Participants and Perceived Needs and Preferences of Focus Group Participants for Nutrition Education. All elderly believed that food was important to their health and were interested in nutrition education. The predominant theme was the influence of a health condition on dietary practices. The elderly made food choices according to dietary restrictions imposed by their health condition. The most prevalent health conditions were chronic diseases, primarily hypertension, diabetes, and hiatal hernia. The majority (32) were at nutritional risk, with a larger number at high risk (20) than at moderate risk (12). Food preferences and sensory attributes of food also were important to them when making food choices. Some reported that convenience was important because they did not want to spend time and effort to purchase and prepare foods. Some also reported experiencing food insecurity, primarily from lack of money. The majority learned about food and cooking from family members, and only a few learned about nutrition and food choices from health professionals. Most wanted information about disease-specific food choices and preparation methods, and preferred to receive this information during group discussions because sharing ideas and opinions was an effective way to learn. Only a few were interested in television programs, while many were interested in written materials. Nutrition education programs for low-income elderly should teach these adults how to choose and prepare foods that are appealing and nutritious, as well as within dietary restrictions imposed by their health conditions. Educators should convey this information to them in group settings and distribute written materials, such as pamphlets and brochures, that outline "how-to" information. / Master of Science

In 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that Latinos represented 12.6% of the total population in the United States. It is projected that by 2010 Latinos will account for 15.5% of the population (1,2). Latinos account for 32% of the population in Texas, and specifically in Corpus Christi, Latinos represent 54% of the population (3). The purpose of this study was to compare reported versus actual physical activity among limited resource Latina mothers. This study also aimed to explore the validity of the existing Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (PAR) physical activity assessment tools. Fifty-five Latina mothers from a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinic in Corpus Christi, Texas were recruited to participate in this study. Data were collected through a combined (BRFSS and PAR) physical activity questionnaire as well as through step counts using pedometers. BRFSS and PAR reported significantly different levels of moderate physical activity (p=0.0312) using Chi Square tests when appropriate. The response rate in PAR for all levels of activity intensity was higher than BRFSS. There were significant trends between the number of steps reported and BRFSS and PAR moderate physical activity. Further, the majority of subjects who averaged greater than 5,000 steps per day did not perceive themselves to be moderately active in either BRFSS or PAR. These findings question the validity of these physical activity assessment tools with this population. / Master of Science