Background Within the last century, Type 2 diabetes mellitus has become one of the major health concerns both in the US and globally. Overall prevalence and incidence of the disease within younger populations including adolescents and young adults has sharply increased since 1990 and is estimated to increase further if no actions are taken. It is estimated that 5.7 million people have a form of diabetes. Of the total estimated prevalence of T2DM, 25% of persons with diabetes are unaware they have the disease. This study aims to identify populations most at risk as well as to label important risk factors associated with the rise of T2DM within the young adult population. Objectives This study aimed to measure the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed T2DM among different populations based on ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and weight classification among a representative sample of young adults within the United States. This study also aims to identify and quantify associated risk factors of T2DM among young adults, and address current preventative and treatment measures. Methods Six two-year samples of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) containing a total of 62,160 individuals were compiled into one dataset. Of these, 11,874 young adults aged 20-40 were selected into the study. Prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed T2DM was calculated for specific populations. The study also aimed to identify important risk factors through univariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Results Among young adults aged 20-40, overall prevalence of T2DM was found to be 1.4% (CI: 1.2-1.6%). Of observed diabetes cases, an alarming 20.1% (N = 68) were categorized as undiagnosed. Significant increases in risk were observed within older age groups, overweight and obese weight categories, individuals living below poverty and within minority racial/ethnic groups. Weight, measured by both BMI (OR: 10.7; CI:5.88-19.44) and waist circumference (OR: 5.29; CI: 3.18-8.79), was identified as the most influential risk factor, and should be a main area of focus in development of interventions. Increases in activity levels, both at work and during leisure-time, were found to decrease one’s risk of having T2DM. Discussion Type 2 diabetes has become a major health concern within the past decades, and will continue to be an area of focus in the future. If current trends of diabetes among the young continue, significant burden will be placed on both health facilities as well as on the economy. Based on the findings from this study, further research should be place on prevention methods aimed at altering life-style behaviors such as diet and exercise early in one’s life. Based on the alarming prevalence of undiagnosed cases, continued research and support should also be place on access to care for minorities, especially persons of Latin American decent.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy has often been associated with numerous adverse outcomes for the offspring. However, its long-term effects are not well established. Given the high prevalence of maternal smoking during pregnancy, an understanding of these effects is essential. Therefore, the aim of the present dissertation was to shed light on the long-term neurophysiological effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on three different executive functioning processes by assessing participants in young adulthood, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants imaged were members of the Ottawa Prenatal Prospective Study, a longitudinal study that collected a unique body of information on participants from infancy to young adulthood, which allowed for the measurement of an unprecedented number of potentially confounding drug exposure variables. The dissertation consists of three separate original manuscripts. In manuscript 1, participants completed a response inhibition task, in manuscript 2 participants completed a verbal working memory task and in manuscript 3 participants completed a visuospatial working memory task. Taken together, results from all three manuscripts showed that prenatal nicotine exposure leads to altered neural functioning during executive functioning processing that continues into young adulthood. These significant results highlight the need for education about the repercussions of women smoking during pregnancy.

The purpose of this qualitative, grounded theory study was to explore the concept of food literacy as it relates to well-being from the perspective of young Canadian adults who recently transitioned to independent living. Seventeen individual, interviews were conducted with Canadian university students. Results suggest that while young adults value “healthy” eating, they are at risk for leaving their family homes lacking necessary food literacy required to make healthy food choices, sustain healthy food relationships and be well. Results suggest that significant challenges exist with regard to acquiring/utilizing food literacy, which appear to influence food choices, health and well-being. Findings indicate that young adults could benefit from expanding their views on food to encompass cultural and environmental knowledge. This thesis adds value to the existing literature by exploring the components of food literacy and connections to well-being.

This research explores the narratives told by five young adults aged 18 to 25 about their journeys of transitioning out of a large residential treatment facility into less structured settings, in Calgary, Alberta. Participants engaged in in-depth interviews designed to elicit storytelling regarding their time in care. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a narrative lens, paying particular attention to the way participants told their stories. Three main storylines emerged from participants’ narratives, including; standardized approaches in residential care, multiple interpretations of what “independence” looks like, and life “after care”. The findings in this study raise questions about the over reliance on behaviour management models within residential care, the limited role of young people in planning and decision making, and restrictive indicators of “successful” transitions. These findings suggest the need for multiple treatment strategies and approaches that are responsive to individual needs and circumstances, especially when making the transition out of care. / Graduate

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on April 1, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2005. / "August, 2005." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-88). Library also has microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [2005]. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. Online version available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.A.)--Carleton University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 112-119). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 114 p. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 72-80).

Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-66).

Thesis(M.S.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Includes bibliographic references (p.63-73).