Browsing by Author "Hertzler, Ann A."
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- ABC's of Feeding PreschoolersHertzler, Ann A. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, 1995)
- Application of cost benefit analysis to the expanded food and nutrition education programSharman, Katherine L. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1988)In 1981, President Ronald Reagan issued Executive Order 12291 which requires Federal agencies to perform benefits assessments of proposed major regulations and prohibits them from taking regulatory action unless potential benefits exceed potential costs to society. A review of welfare economics literature and applications of the CBA model to health, education, and nutrition is presented. CBA for use in the Cooperative Extension Service Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is then systematically examined using the following criteria: 1) theoretical considerations - can the economic criterion appropriately be applied to EFNEP?; and 2) application of the CBA model - can it be made operational? Following the critique of application of CBA to EFNEP, conclusions are drawn as to the appropriate use of CBA or alternative techniques in evaluating EFNEP and similar programs.
- Calcium Checklist - Food Guide PyramidHertzler, Ann A. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, 1998)
- Children's food behaviorHertzler, Ann A. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1988)Presents tips to develop and reinforce positive food behaviors for infants and children.
- Cholesterol in the DietHertzler, Ann A. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Virginia Tech and Virginia State, 1987-01)
- Cookouts and Cooking While CampingHertzler, Ann A. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, Extension Division, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1982-02)
- Demographic, Psychosocial, and Educational Factors Related to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in AdultsStables, Gloria J. (Virginia Tech, 2001-12-12)Recent global statistics estimate 20% of all cancer incidence could be prevented if Americans would modify their eating habits to increase fruit and vegetable intake to the minimum recommended level of five servings daily. Educational strategies to change eating behavior would benefit from a greater understanding of psychosocial and demographic factors related dietary behavior. Secondary analysis of a nationally representative survey of 2655 adults was completed to assess differences between low-income and high-income adults in psychosocial, demographic, and educational factors related to fruit and vegetable intake. Significant differences in self-efficacy, awareness/knowledge, and cost and availability of fruits and vegetables were found between the low-income and high-income groups. In the low-income group, 37% of the variance in total fruit and vegetable consumption was explained by psychosocial and demographic factors, with demographics, self-efficacy and awareness/knowledge being the most significant predictors. In the high-income group, 34% of the variance in total fruit and vegetable consumption was explained by psychosocial and demographic factors, with self-efficacy alone accounting for 14% of the variance. This research suggests that, regardless of income category, social cognitive factors, in particular self-efficacy and knowledge/awareness of the health message, are stronger predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption than are perceived barrier factors. Given the weaknesses of the survey instrument, the findings need to interpreted with caution. Policy inferences can be suggested from this research, but would need further research findings before implementation of nutrition policy recommendations. The implications of these research findings are that nutrition education interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption should be aimed at affecting those psychosocial factors that are predictive of behavior change. In particular, differences by income level between psychosocial, education, and behavior responses underscore the need for tailoring educational interventions by income group for greater impact. The most relevant psychosocial predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption in adults are self-efficacy, awareness/knowledge of the health message, social support, and weak intent. The most relevant demographic predictors were smoking status, educational level, and age. Income level appears to share variance with other demographic variables and should be explored in further research.
- Development and validation of a rapid assessment method for nutrient adequacy of the food guide pyramidAdamson, Christopher Mark (Virginia Tech, 1994-06-03)Throughout this century food guide systems (Five Food Groups, Basic Seven, Basic Four, Food Guide Pyramid) have dramatically changed and with the changes the need for adequate assessment measures has changed as well. The objective of the study was to develop and validate two such rapid assessment methods that could possibly be employed as educational devices in nutrition education programs while taking away the need for expensive computer analysis and/or the time consuming, inefficient, and often tedious job of nutrient assessment through various tables of food analysis and composition. College students aged 18-24 served as the sample population and their three-day dietary recalls the data for this study. Each diet was compared to the Food Guide Pyramid (FGP) by using one rapid assessment method scored in two ways (FGP₁ and FGP₂). FGP₁ is a simple point-far-point method based on minimum recommended servings from the Food Guide Pyramid and the FGP₂ score is a weighted method of food groups based on the same criteria. All diets were evaluated in terms of nutrient quantity by computer analysis and translated into mean adequacy ratios for fourteen nutrients (MAR₁) and for seven problem nutrients (MAR₂). The FGP scores (FGP₁ and FGP₂) were then compared to each of the MAR scores (MAR₁ and MAR₂) to test validity by correlation analysis. Results indicate both rapid assessment tools maintain significant correlation (p<000.1) with actual nutrient intakes. A mean FGP₁ score of 10.8 (max. = 15) correlated significantly with a mean MAR₁ score of 0.88 (max. = 1.00)(r = 0.68) and with the MAR₂ score for problem nutrients of 0.83 (max. = 1.00)(r = 0.66). A mean FGP₂ score of 21.3 (max. = 30) correlated significantly with a mean MAR₁ score of 0.88 (max. = 1.00)(r = 0.65) and with the MAR₂ score for problem nutrients of 0.83 (max. = 1.00)(r = 0.63). Results illustrate that the FGP₁ score could be used by the general public individually and in nutrition education programs to help assess diets based on nutrient adequacy.
- Developmentally Appropriate Food and Nutrition Skills for Young ChildrenDeBord, Karen; Hertzler, Ann A. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, 1993)
- Evaluation of Health 200 - Wellness Lifestyles: Can a University General Education Course in Wellness Lifestyles Enhance Students' Behaviors, Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding Their Health?Skolaut Zeakes, Beverly Jean Jr. (Virginia Tech, 1998-06-30)The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether a required wellness course affected a change in the behaviors of college students. A post-course evaluation, which examined the relation between attitude, knowledge, and behavior, was conducted six months following the completion of the course. A secondary purpose of the research was to solicit information from participating students concerning which portions of the course they felt benefited them and those that did not. This was done to identify potential problems within the course in order to make improvements on content and structure. A survey was mailed six months after the completion of the course to 110 students who were enrolled in Health 200 Wellness Lifestyles in the 1997 spring semester at Radford University. Forty-five responses were returned for a return rate of 41%. An analysis of self-reported data discloses that student behaviors improved from before taking Health 200 to six months after completing the course in all behavior categories with the exception of alcohol consumption. A paired t test, which was conducted to compare knowledge between the end of the semester and the post-test, indicated a significant loss of knowledge at a p level of <.05. Results from a simple linear regression analysis revealed that 17.46% of the variability in behavior was attributed to attitude. Information gathered from the survey helped identify strengths and weaknesses of the course, which became instrumental in proposing recommendations for making course improvements.
- Evaluation of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in selected areas of Virginia: extent and retention of dietary improvement and related family factorsTorisky, Danielle M. (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1987)Dietary improvement was assessed using 24-hour food recall in a sample of 180 homemakers who had completed six to 18 months of instruction in the Virginia Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) to determine whether they retained dietary improvement six to 36 months after leaving the program. These homemakers provided additional information on Perceived Educational Gains and Program Benefits received from participating in EFNEP. Family factors were explored which were believed to be related to dietary change - Family Composition, Family Resource Assistance, Household Roles and Responsibilities, Family Support, and Family Diet Control. Diet Scores increased significantly (p<.01) from program Entry to Exit; greatest increases were in average daily servings from milk and fruit-vegetable groups. Slight but significant (p<.01) regression occurred in average Diet Score and servings of milk from Exit to Follow-up. Homemakers with higher Diet Scores at program Entry had higher scores at program Exit and Follow-up, and higher Program Benefit Scores. Length of time in program was not significantly associated with Dietary Improvement or Retention. High average Educational Gain and Program Benefit Scores at Follow-up were evidence that EFNEP was successful from the perspective of homemakers served. Family Composition was not associated with Dietary Improvement. Family Support emerged as the only family measure related to diet; higher Family Support Scores were associated not only with greater Perceived Educational Gains and Program Benefits, but also with higher Diet Scores at program completion and follow-up. Results of the study confirmed the Virginia EFNEP to be effective in improving diets of homemakers and sustaining these changes, and suggested a key role for family support in influencing dietary outcome and program success from the view of participants.
- An examination of the relationship between characteristics of Expanded Food and Nutrition Program paraprofessionals and their effectiveness as change agentsWelschenbach, Marilyn A. (Virginia Tech, 1993)The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a federal program designed to improve the nutritional status of the population and provide employment for paraprofessional aides from the indigenous target population and an example of a change agency. Diffusion and change literature offer many models and possible personality characteristics that may be associated with effective change agents. The purpose of the study was to examine characteristics of paraprofessionals employed in the Adult phase of Virginia EFNEP and their relationship to paraprofessional effectiveness and how well they fit the diffusion model. Effectiveness for the paraprofessional was measured as homemaker success (change in nutrient intake and food behavior) and as paraprofessional performance (workload and home visit evaluation). Personality, training, and demographic characteristics of the 40 paraprofessionals were obtained through a mailed Paraprofessional Questionnaire and the Sixteen Personality Factor (16PF) Test. Demographics, food behavior and knowledge, and nutrient intake for a sample of three homemakers per paraprofessional (N=116) were obtained from EFNEP Family Records. Homophily, the measure of correspondence, was calculated by comparing each paraprofessional with their sample of three homemakers. Three personality factors (concrete thinking, impulsivity, and self-discipline) along with homophily were correlated with change in food behavior, none with change in nutrient intake, and two (concrete thinking and low tension) along with perfect match homophily were correlated with workload. There were no apparent difference in training. When all factors were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression, homophily along with three of the second-order personality factors were related to change in food behavior. One second order factor, low anxiety along with perfect match, was related to workload. Implications for practice include: (a) EFNEP paraprofessionals, in part, appear to be fitting the model of change agent effectiveness, in that homophily is influencing the homemakers and (b) low anxiety and low tension appear to be related to effectiveness and could be used in employee selection and future training. Recommendations for future study include: (a) further study into quantification of homophily and (b) investigation of relationship of characteristics to supervisor view of effectiveness.
- An exploratory study of attitudes and perceptions of food portions in individuals with eating disordersGibson, Susan Gail (Virginia Tech, 1991-11-05)The purpose of this exploratory research was to analyze, through a qualitative in-depth approach, the attitudes and perceptions of food and portion sizes of a group of clients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or an eating disorder with bulimic features. To accomplish this, a set of two questionnaires and a food portion test were administered; one at the beginning of treatment and a second at a given interval after treatment began. These responses, along with observations made by the author during patient interviews, will be reported. All patients received either inpatient and/or outpatient treatment from a mental health professional, a dietitian and a medical physician. The exploratory nature of the study and small sample size (12) prohibit positing of causative connections. Observations were made however, that a distortion of nutrition attitudes exists in the sample studied that were responsive to improvements while receiving treatment from a multidisciplinary team. A tendency to over estimate portions was evident, and no improvement in the second administration supports the need for additional food portion training. These findings were discussed in terms of the study limitations, along with suggestions for future research.
- An exploratory study of predisposing factors for eating disorders in adolescent girlsMokbel, Carine (Virginia Tech, 1988-05-31)Research efforts in the area of eating disorders have been numerous and varied. However, few studies have investigated the existence of specific predisposing factors that could render a young female adolescent more susceptible to developing an eating disorder. The present study was attempted in an effort to fill this knowledge gap. One hundred and fifty nine, 12 to 14 year old female students not known as having an eating disorder, were surveyed at a public school in Roanoke County, Virginia. The participants were asked to complete four different instruments which were: The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, the Children's Assertiveness Inventory, the Nutrition Questionnaire designed by the researchers and the Eating Disorder Inventory or EDl. Correlational statistics were used to identify any significant relationships between the first three instruments and the ED!. Significant relationships were identified, suggesting the existence of specific factors related to tendencies toward eating disorders as assessed by the EDI. Among these factors were: poor self-concept and body image, obesity and weight problems, active interest or involvement in dieting as well as certain familial behaviors. The results of this research effort will hopefully be used in designing educational programs for the prevention of eating disorders, as well as for enhancing the detection of these disorders. Further research needs will also be suggested.
- An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Healthy-Living and Travel BehaviorHallab, Zaher A. A. (Virginia Tech, 1999-07-15)In the field of travel and tourism, scholars with interest in consumer behavior studies have explored different variables and linked them with the individual's behavior. Variables such as destination image, environmental awareness, service perception, preferences, and motivations for travel are commonly used to understand and predict destination selections and travel behavior. There is also enough evidence to suggest that healthy-living is positively associated with travel behavior. If any, little empirical research has been done to explore and examine the relationship between healthy-living and travel behavior. The guidelines to healthy-living have not been introduced in the literature of travel and tourism. This study is intended to shed some light on this issue and contribute to knowledge in this area. The objective of this study was twofold: (1) to develop a healthy-living attitudinal construct, and (2) examine the relationship between healthy-living behavioral and attitudinal constructs and selected travel behavior variables. Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis was undertaken to test the relationship between healthy-living and travel behavior variables. In addition, using ANOVA, the study examined if there were differences between healthy-living (behavioral and attitudinal) and socio-demographic variables; and by using Tukey's multiple comparison test, significant differences between the different groups were revealed. Finally, multiple regression analysis was undertaken with the objective to find the degree with which healthy-living alone influences travel behavior while socio-demographic variables are constant or controlled for. The overall findings of the study revealed that there seems to be a relationship between a healthy-living lifestyle and the individual travel behavior. However, the direction and strength of this relationship shows variations with respect to different dimensions of the healthy-living construct and selected travel behavior questions. The perceived importance of the interaction between healthy-living behavior and travel also implies that certain habits and practices of individuals may correspond to certain benefits and expectations that are both valued and obtained from travel experiences and at the destination site. Such information combined with demographic information may be of great help in understanding better the behavior of travelers to destinations. This research contributes to lifestyle studies in tourism and sheds further light on the complex nature of travel behavior.
- An exploratory study to assess food behavior outcomes of a one- time nutrition intervention eventDunphy, Marilyn Jane Myers (Virginia Tech, 1989-05-05)This research was conducted in an effort to substantiate the effect of nutrition counseling delivered at a local cholesterol screening clinic. It developed a method of measuring dietary habit changes conducive to a cholesterol- lowering diet. Hypercholesterolemic subjects were chosen for the study when their total blood cholesterol measured > 200 mg/dl from a Reflotron cholesterol screening device. At that time they were asked to fill out a dietary habit pre-test. Pre-tests from six subjects who did not receive nutrition counseling at the clinic were placed in the control group. Pre-tests from 15 subjects who received nutrition counseling at the clinic served as the test group.
- Exploring snacking habits of college studentsHanania, Jihane W. (Virginia Tech, 1989-04-20)Previous research has revealed that adolescents have the highest prevalence of unsatisfactory nutritional status and unstructured eating patterns. They also recognized the importance of snacks in the eating habits of this population group. The purpose of this study was to investigate the snacking habits of undergraduate college students, and their correlations with the population’s general eating practices and response to nutrition education. Two hundred eighty four a nutrition course undertook a term project in which they provided information on consumption in the percentage calories provided by protein, fat, carbohydrate and alcohol; their nutrient meals and snacks; and their vitamin/mineral supplement(s) usage toward the beginning of the class. Toward the end of the class, they answered questions on the effect of nutrition education on their eating habits for the overall diet and on vitamin/mineral supplement usage. They also re-ported their frequencies of meals and snacks, their snacks’ food preferences, and responded relationships between snacking perceptions. Correlational statistics were used to identify any significant all the variables. The data analysis revealed that the unstructured eating patterns of college students do not automatically mean unsatisfactory nutritional status and a fondness for just low nutrient dense foods. However, no specific trend could be detected between the snacking perceptions and the consumption practices of college students.
- Family resources. Cookouts and cooking while campingHertzler, Ann A.; Bowen, Phyllis (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1982-02)Presents information on cooking outdoors, including starting campfires, utensils, and safety measures.
- Family resources. Fat in your dietHertzler, Ann A. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1981-10)Discusses different types of fat in the diet, tips to limit fat intake, and a list of common foods and their fat content.
- Family resources. Fiber in the dietHertzler, Ann A. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1981-10)Discusses fiber in the diet and lists fiber content of common foods.