VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Hosig, Kathryn W."

Browsing by Author "Hosig, Kathryn W."

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Associations Between Weight Change and Meal Frequency, Breakfast Consumption, and Alcohol Intake in College Students
Shepard, Tricia Susanne (Virginia Tech, 2007-05-08)
Objective: To determine if weight gain in college subjects is associated with meal frequency, breakfast consumption, breakfast type, and alcohol intake over one year of college. Secondary aims were to determine whether BMI and body fat percent are associated with breakfast consumption and type as well as meal frequency. Design: A longitudinal observational study. Health history, work schedule and sleep patterns were recorded. Subjects fasted overnight and height, weight, skin fold measurements, waist, and hip measurements were taken. Two seven day food and activity records were self recorded in September 2005 and in April of 2006. Subjects: One-thousand fifty college students enrolled in freshman level foods and nutrition or personal health courses in fall 2005 were invited to participate in the study; 507 agreed to participate in the study. Main Outcome Measures: Weight change, meal frequency, number of breakfasts per week, breakfast type, and amount of alcohol consumed were analyzed. Weight change by breakfast category was also analyzed. Statistical analyses: Diet records were entered into Nutritionist Pro™ for nutrient analysis. Associations between weight change and meal frequency, breakfast consumption, and alcohol intake in college students were analyzed using independent t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Two-hundred and thirty subjects completed the study. Subjects ate more breakfasts per week in September (148.5 ± 32.5) compared to April (149.6 ± 32.5, p > .05). Non-breakfast eaters gained slightly more weight than breakfast eaters (p = .099). Similar results were found for meal frequency and weight change. Those who consumed more meals per day gained less weight compared to those who ate 4 or fewer meals per day (p = .206). Non drinkers gained significantly more weight than heavy drinkers (p = .004). Conclusion: Although significant associations between breakfast consumption, meal frequency and weight change were not found, results from this study suggest that increasing breakfast consumption as well as meal frequency may be beneficial in reducing the amount of weight gained over time. Although non-drinkers gained significantly more weight than heavy drinkers, more studies are warranted to investigate this finding. Application: This study strengthens the literature on meal frequency and breakfast consumption as they are associated with changes in body weight. The study was also the first of our knowledge to assess these associations in a college setting. Based on these findings, more studies are warranted to determine whether the associations between weight changes and meal frequency as well as breakfast consumption and breakfast type are strongly correlated when a larger and more diverse population base is used.
Authoritative Mothers Exhibit More Permissive Feeding Practices Eating Away from Home with their Children
Kasparian, Michelle Marie (Virginia Tech, 2012-06-25)
Eating away from home has been identified as one possible contributor to childhood obesity, with links to poor diet quality and higher weight status due to dietary quality of meals at restaurants and consumers' attitudes. Parenting style has been associated with children's weight status and overall attitudes toward food, with authoritative parenting being shown to help protect against childhood obesity. The current study aimed to compare and contrast parenting and feeding practices at home and in the restaurant. Twenty-five mothers with children, ages five to eight, who ate at restaurants at least two times per week participated in facilitated, individual interviews. Interviews topics included: parenting, child input in choosing restaurants and restaurant meal selection, and food rules and practices at restaurants versus at home. Socio-demographic information, parenting style, and the mothers' heights and weights were gathered, with descriptive statistics computed. Interview data were transcribed, then thematically coded using NVivo software. All mothers scored highest on authoritative parenting styles. Participating mothers were Caucasian, well-educated, with above-average family incomes. Mothers had an average of 2.2 children and a BMI of 27.9 kg/m². Mothers described more stringent behavioral expectations and more permissive food rules at restaurants. Parents had greater influence in determining whether to eat away from home and where, whereas children had greater responsibility for meal selections at restaurants. The results suggest that practices may differ at restaurants than at home, highlighting the importance of further research, along with educational and behavioral strategies directed toward mothers when eating away from home.
Awareness and outcomes of the fruits and veggies (FNV) campaign to promote fruit and vegetable consumption among targeted audiences in California and Virginia: a cross-sectional study
Englund, Tessa R.; Hedrick, Valisa E.; Patiño, Sofía R.; Kennedy, Lauren E.; Hosig, Kathryn W.; Serrano, Elena L.; Kraak, Vivica (2021-06-09)
Background In 2015, the Partnership for a Healthier America launched the branded Fruits & Veggies (FNV) Campaign to apply a unique industry-inspired marketing approach to promote fruit and vegetable sales and intake to moms and teens in two US pilot markets: Fresno, California and Hampton Roads, Virginia. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to: 1) assess brand awareness and fruit- and vegetable-related outcomes among FNV Campaign target audiences in the California and Virginia market locations; and 2) examine whether reported awareness of the FNV Campaign was associated with differences in fruit- and vegetable-related cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Methods Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using an online survey administered to a non-probability convenience sample (n = 1604; February–July 2017) of youth aged 14–20 years (n = 744) and moms aged 21–36 years (n = 860) in the two pilot markets. Descriptive statistics were computed and outcomes compared between unaware and aware respondents, controlling for sociodemographic covariates. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted to assess whether fruit- and vegetable-related attitude, belief, and encouragement outcomes differed by FNV Campaign awareness; logistic regression was used to examine associations between FNV brand awareness and dichotomous variables (fruit- and vegetable-related behavioral intentions, trying new fruits and vegetables); and ANCOVA was used to assess associations with daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency. Results Approximately 20% (n = 315/1604) of respondents reported awareness of the FNV Campaign. Youth that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 167, 22.4%) had higher intentions to buy (p = 0.003) and eat (p = 0.009) fruits and vegetables than unaware respondents. Mothers that reported awareness of the FNV Campaign (n = 148, 17.2%) reported greater encouragement for friends and family to eat fruits and vegetables (p = 0.013) and were approximately 1.5 times more likely to report trying a new fruit or vegetable (p = 0.04) than mothers unaware of the Campaign. Daily fruit and vegetable intake frequency did not differ by Campaign awareness. Conclusions FNV Campaign awareness was associated with limited but positive short- and intermediate-term cognitive and behavioral outcomes among target audience respondents. These findings can inform future research to enhance understanding and improve the FNV Campaign as it is expanded to new markets nationwide.
Beverage Vending Purchasing Patterns and Attitudes in Southwest Virginia High School Students
Spangler, Jennifer Anne LaBarge (Virginia Tech, 2006-03-17)
Purpose: This article examines changes in attitude and beverage consumption after a school-wide policy change replacing sweetened beverages in vending machines with 100% juice and bottled water. Methods: Written questionnaires were administered three times to high school students (n = 278) in an ethnically-diverse, southwest Virginia school district. X Â² analysis was utilized and test-retest reliability was assessed with intra-class correlation coefficients. Results: Pearson correlation coefficients for reliability between test and re-test displayed a range from r =0.53 to r =0.73. There were no significant differences in demographics (gender and ethnicity) between time periods. X Â² analysis revealed students were significantly more likely to choose healthier beverage vending options after one year compared to baseline (P<0.01). Although beverage vending purchases declined to near significance immediately following the change, there were no significant changes observed between baseline and follow-up (P<0.05). X Â² analysis revealed no significant (P<0.05) changes in outside purchase patterns. Students also indicated that the top reasons for snack/beverage choices were hunger, taste, and price. Conclusion: This suggests that students purchase what is convenient and available, regardless of choices. Therefore, environmental changes may be beneficial to promote healthier beverage choices among adolescents.
Build a Bone Bank with 3-A-Day After-School Education Program for Elementary Students
Cox, Heather K. (Virginia Tech, 2008-06-02)
Objective: To determine whether a social cognitive theory guided nutrition educational intervention in an after-school program is associated with improved nutrition and physical activity knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors for fourth and fifth grade participants. Design: A prospective comparative study with a quasi-experimental design over a six month period. Questionnaires were collected at baseline and at the end of the program for students at the intervention and comparison schools. Follow-up questionnaires were collected at the intervention school three months post program. Subjects/Setting: Fourth and fifth grade students enrolled in an after-school program targeted to reach students performing below grade level and/or living below the poverty level at an elementary school in southwest Virginia. Fourth and fifth grade students at another county elementary school with similar demographics served as comparison participants. Main Outcome Measures: Daily food intake, dairy intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, environment, self-efficacy for consuming dairy products, and food and activity beliefs. Statistical Analysis: Measures of central tendency (mean, median, and variance) were performed to describe participants. Independent t-tests (p<0.05) were used to compare changes from pre to post-questionnaire by treatment group. Paired t-tests (p<0.05) were used to test for differences from pre to post-questionnaire within group. Chi square analysis (p<0.05) was conducted to further investigate changes between groups. Results: Intervention participants significantly increased previous day's milk consumption (p=.006) and plans to drink low-fat milk instead of regular milk (p =.047) from pre to post-program. Significant change was also observed in previous day's milk consumption change from pre to post between groups (p=.004). Conclusion: Participation in an after-school program with nutrition education could change daily milk consumption and plans to drink low-fat over regular milk. Applications: After-school nutrition interventions can be effective in changing milk intake and plans to consume low-fat milk.
Buying to Thrive: Exploring the Potential for Market-Based Approaches to Contribute to Increases in Diet Diversity in Mozambique
Agnew, Jessica L. (Virginia Tech, 2020-08-04)
Globally, more than two billion people suffer from deficiencies in micronutrients that are essential for human health. Low-income populations in low- and middle-income countries are especially vulnerable to these deficiencies. There are three priority interventions used to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve overall nutrition status — supplementation, fortification, and diet diversity. As the share of food purchases made by low-income households has been increasing, there is increasing interest in the role the private sector can play in these interventions. Currently, there is little known about the potential for a market-based approach to contribute to improvements in diet diversity. Proven to be one of the most effective ways of improving nutritional status, increasing diet diversification among low-income populations will be essential for reducing micronutrient deficiencies in the long-term. The purpose of this research is to contribute evidence on the potential for a market-based approach to increase diet diversity among low-income households in Mozambique. This research starts by examining the extent to which low-income consumers in Nampula, Mozambique make diverse food purchases and the amount they are willing to pay for such diversity. Since diet diversification is intended to improve health, the connections between individual-level health constructs and diversity of food purchases is subsequently investigated. These studies are then used as the basis for a participatory community-based intervention that explores if health constructs influence modifications in food purchases and the barriers and enabling factors that exist to using the market to increase household diet diversity. The findings of this work reveal that there is potential for markets to contribute to the diversity of foods consumed by low-income households; however, concerted efforts between the private, public, and civil sectors will likely be required for the success and longevity of market-based approaches.
Community Matters: The Exploration of Overweight and Obesity within the Lesbian Population
Thayer, Amy Nichole (Virginia Tech, 2010-10-29)
Obesity in the United States has increased dramatically during the past 40 years. Women are more at risk than men to be obese; and, a lesbian sexual identity further increases a woman's likelihood of being overweight or obese. This dissertation includes the following components: 1) a review of factors influencing overweight and obesity in lesbians, 2) an ethnographic inquiry examining how lesbian culture and a lesbian sexual identity contribute to a woman's body weight, and 3) the development of a lesbian-specific tool based on factors identified during the ethnography that predicts eating, physical activity, and weight status. The literature review, informed by the Social Ecological Model, investigated potentially contributing factors of overweight and obesity in lesbians. This review revealed a small body of literature dedicated to lesbians' physical activity and eating behaviors; additionally, weight-influencing social-cultural elements of lesbian communities were identified. This body of literature suggests that specific personal, social, and environmental factors negatively influence lesbians' weight, although there is not much known about this community's PA and eating behaviors, as overall behavior-specific findings, were equivocal. However, the following gaps in the literature were identified: lesbians' self-efficacy in PA and healthy eating, and effects on these behaviors as determined by their membership in lesbian subcultures. An ethnographic inquiry examined how a lesbian sexual identity contributes to body weight, attempted to fill a need in the current literature, and was driven by the following questions: 1) How does this lesbian social community serve as a context for its lesbian members to understand body weight? 2) What is the relationship between women's lesbian identities and their body weight? 3) What sub-cultural customs exist that permit or prohibit healthy eating and physical activity by women in this lesbian community? Participant observation, the primary method of data collection, uncovered the following themes: 1) Valuing Weight, 2) Coping and Socializing Behavior, and 3) Living within an Inconsistent Environment. Social Cognitive Theory assisted in interpreting how and why lesbians create innovative ways to appreciate diverse body weights and provided directives for measurement domains when investigating overweight in this community. Informed by the previous projects, the Lesbian Overweight and Obesity Questionnaire (The LOOQ) was developed as a tool to measure potential influences on PA, fat intake, and dietary consumption, which assist in predicting body mass index (BMI) within the lesbian community. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and predictive validity demonstrated encouraging results; all but two (i.e., 2/27) subscales demonstrated adequate to high internal consistency (Cronbach's Alphas= 0.61-0.97) and reliable test-retest scores (r=0.61-0.92). The LOOQ displayed predictive validity with subscale scores predicting outcome behaviors, which predicted BMI scores.
Community-based lifestyle intervention for underserved Hispanics with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes in Southwest Virginia
Valenzuela, Ivette Guadalupe (Virginia Tech, 2015-10-16)
In the U.S., diabetes mellitus cases have been increasing, from 25 million in 2010 to 29 million in 2012. Healthy People 2020, the U.S. National Health Agenda, has established specific goals and objectives for diabetes. In the U.S., prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes for adult Hispanics was 38% and 12%, respectively, in 2012. The total estimated diabetes cost in the U.S. has been increasing, from $176 billion in 2007 to $245 billion in 2012. The current study had two research hypotheses; the formative phase was expected to demonstrate a need for a community-based Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) self-management intervention for Spanish-speaking Hispanics. Random Control Trial (RTC) was expected to demonstrate the potential impact in preventing and managing T2DM. Methods. A community-based lifestyle education curriculum was translated into Spanish, and adapted to Hispanic culture. This study includes three phases: 1) a formative phase; 2) a two-group pilot RCT with Hispanic Living with Diabetes (HBLD) and a delayed treatment condition; and 3) post-HBLD focus groups held with three participating groups of HBLD. Results. Of 60 participants screened in the formative phase, 62% had A1c > 5.7%, and 75% did not have medical insurance. Of 6 participants who completed the pilot, A1c decreased for all six participants. Of 67 participants screened in phase 2, 61% had A1c > 5.7%. Of 30 HBLD participants in the RCT, baseline versus 3-month mean A1c increased 0.2 for the delayed control group (n = 10) and did not experience any change for the intervention group (n = 11). The difference in A1c change from baseline to follow up between treatment groups was not statistically significant (Kruskal Wallis, p < 0.05). Diabetes knowledge and SCT variables change from baseline to follow-up between groups were not statistically significant. Major themes identified in focus group discussions included barriers to access to health and nutrition services, the value of having a Spanish-speaking Hispanic as a health educator, and barriers to recruiting community members as promotoras. Implications. HBLD has potential to reduce complications of diabetes among Hispanic participants by providing education to those who may not otherwise have access to it.
A Comparative Study of Dietary Habits among College Students At-Risk and Not-At-Risk for Eating Disorders and how Such Habits Compare to the Dietary Guidelines
Payne, Kate (Virginia Tech, 2008-04-30)
Objective: To examine associations between eating disorder (ED) risk and dietary habits. Also, to determine if ED risk changes after exposure to nutrition education and to investigate how the dietary habits in both at-risk (AR) and not-at-risk (NAR) college students compare the Dietary Guidelines (DG). Design: A longitudinal observational study over one academic year. Self-reported dietary intake was collected via seven-day food records. The Eating Attitudes Test 26 (EAT-26) was used to assess ED risk. Subjects underwent measurements of height, weight, skin fold, waist circumference and hip circumference. Subjects/Setting: Data from 507 students enrolled in one of two fall 2005 nutrition/health courses at a land grant university in southwest Virginia were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures: ED risk, mean daily intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains, protein, total calories, and changes in ED risk over one academic year. BMI, weight change, percent body fat, and waist circumference were also evaluated. Statistical Analysis Performed: Associations between ED risk and mean daily intake of dietary variables were assessed using independent samples t-tests (p<0.05). Changes in mean EAT-26 scores were assessed using paired-t tests. Changes in the proportion of subjects categorized as AR and NAR were evaluated using Chi-square analysis. Results: This study was completed by 192 subjects. Those AR consumed significantly fewer calories than NAR subjects in both September. In April, AR subjects consumed significantly fewer fried vegetable servings than NAR subjects. Chi-square analysis in April revealed that the size of the NAR group increased thus reducing the size of the AR group. Overall, subjects' diets failed to meet the DG for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber. Conclusion: Overall dietary intake did not vary significantly between AR and NAR subjects, excepting lower caloric intake and fewer fried vegetable servings in those AR. Both groups failed to meet the DG for fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dietary fiber. Application: Educational interventions emphasizing the DG may improve ED risk but warrant more specific targeting of poor dietary habits in order to increase the college population's compliance with the DG.
A Daily Diary Investigation of the Impact of Flexible Work Arrangements on Physical Activity Among University Staff
Borowski, Shelby (Virginia Tech, 2019-06-07)
The goal of this investigation was to examine personal and environmental factors that may influence levels of daily physical activity in a sample of university staff employees who use flexible work arrangements (flextime or telework). Our first aim was to investigate the link between self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and flexible work arrangements on daily physical activity. Our second aim was to investigate the link between work stress, job burnout, work-to-family conflict and flexible work arrangements on physical activity. Lastly, we investigated if the use of flexible work arrangements buffered the relationship between barriers, as well as job burnout, on physical activity. University staff employees who worked full-time, currently used a flexible work arrangement, lived with at least one family member were eligible to participate. Using a daily diary design, data were collected from 61 university staff employees. Participants completed an initial survey followed by daily diaries over the course of one workweek, resulting in 281 diary days. Data were analyzed with multilevel negative binomial models. Daily barriers and use of flextime were associated with lower physical activity. Self-efficacy, telework, work stress, and work-to-family conflict were not significantly associated with daily physical activity. Flexible work arrangements did not moderate the association between barriers and physical activity. However, flextime moderated the association between job burnout and physical activity. Individuals with high job burnout engaged in more physical activity on flextime days compared to non-flexible workdays. Implications regarding physical activity, flexible work arrangements, and workplace wellness programs are discussed.
A Descriptive Analysis of the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation Elementary Compendium Programs in Relation to Tobacco Prevention
Smith, Amy Horsch (Virginia Tech, 2007-11-28)
The purpose of this study was to determine if the VTSF elementary school compendium programs are effective in the prevention of youth tobacco use based on evaluations provided by the VTSF. In the years (2003-2005), tobacco use trends among middle and high school students in Virginia started moving upward despite the fact that the Virginia Tobacco Settlement Foundation (VTSF) spent nearly $16 million in 2004 and approximately $11 million in 2005 for marketing, programs, enforcement, research and evaluation. This study is primarily a review of evaluations and not individual people or groups of people. The study reviewed the final evaluations of the various programs of the compendium in the 2005-2006 VTSF grant cycle. Only elementary programs (Pre-K – 5 and in some systems 6) were reviewed. The VTSF provides a variety of evaluation formats ranging from short, descriptive outcomes to quasi-experimental statistical analysis. Information was extracted from the evaluations to answer the primary research question: Do the elementary school compendium programs prevent tobacco use among Virginia's youth? Two additional questions were answered: 1) Does the current program evaluation process provide useful information to determine if the programs are effective in tobacco use prevention? and 2) Are community or school-based programs more effective? The following conclusions were drawn from this comparative program analysis: 1) Based on this current data approach to evaluating the elementary compendium programs, we cannot determine if the programs are effective in preventing youth tobacco use. However, based on the review of literature combined with these finding it is logical to conclude that the programs may not be preventing tobacco use in their intended population. 2) The evaluation process and the information included in the evaluations on an elementary level are not effective in providing information regarding tobacco use or future tobacco use. 3) School programs are more efficient and reach more students than community-based programs. There is no indication in terms of tobacco goals that one setting is better than another. The following recommendations were suggested: 1)Transition funding for compendium programs involving pre-initiation age students to late elementary, middle, and high school. 2) Concentrate funding for community-based programs on at-risk students. 3) Require school systems that apply for funds to offer programs on all levels: late elementary, middle, and high school, 4) Only those programs that directly address tobacco or tobacco and other drugs should be on the compendium list, 5) Streamline the evaluation process and make it consistent for all schools for comparative purposes, 6) Provide curriculum for all 4th-12th grade health and PE teachers rather than compendium programs as a separate unit, 7) Fund the development and implementation of curriculum that integrates tobacco prevention objectives into all school curriculum grades 4-12, 8) Explore ways to reach parents, 9) Focus more initiatives on teen tobacco cessation.
Development of the University Health Index to Examine the Interface between Campus Environment and Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Weight in College Students
Goodwin, Stephanie Kay (Virginia Tech, 2011-09-02)
Since many adolescents experience the transition to young adulthood in college, the university health environment could play a significant role in addressing the current rise in chronic disease and obesity epidemic. The University Health Index for Nutrition and Physical Activity (UHI) tool, guided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) K-12 School Health Index, was developed to evaluate the associations between the university health environment and student health outcomes related to nutrition, physical activity, and weight. Several studies were conducted to examine what university characteristics are most strongly associated with college student health habits related to weight, nutrition, and physical activity behaviors. These studies culminated in a study to develop and validate the UHI. A request soliciting participation in the completion of the UHI was posted on the American College Health Association (ACHA) listserve. The final dataset used for analysis included 13 universities (N = 19) with a total of 9,460 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) student participants. Data were analyzed using Mixed-effects REML regression model adjusting for clustering effects, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 and trends set a p < 0.10. Data were analyzed to determine associations between the total UHI score, individual module scores, and individual components of each module with student outcomes from the NCHA data (fruit/vegetable intake per day, days per week of aerobic and strength physical activity, and body mass index: BMI; kg/m² calculated from self-reported height and weight). Total UHI score was not significantly associated with outcome variables related to BMI, nutrition, or physical activity. The total health promotion module, however, was associated with vigorous physical activity (coefficient = 0.095; SE = 0.048; p = 0.046) and the built environment was associated with moderate physical activity (coefficient = 0.029; SE = 0.017; p = 0.096) and with high fruit and vegetable intake (coefficient = 0.021; SE = 0.011; p = 0.061). Individual questions related to recreational sports and fitness and nutrition and/or weight management counseling were associated with outcome variables as well. Measures for physical activity are better developed than for nutrition as there was only one nutrition question available with limited utility in terms of data analysis to test the UHI. Studying the university health environment and college students' health habits related to weight, nutrition, and physical activity is multifaceted and challenging. Unlike the K-12 school system, there is not a central university entity with jurisdiction over health-related student issues. Instead, health-related student issues and services are the responsibility of a variety of departments at a university and it is difficult to realize the complete university health environment. Results of this research can be used to refine future versions of the UHI and to continue to investigate the university characteristics that are most strongly associated with specific student health behaviors and outcomes related to nutrition, physical activity, and weight.
Diet, Body Fat Distribution, and Serum Leptin in Young Men with Undiagnosed Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Jones, Emily Taylor (Virginia Tech, 2008-10-17)
Background and Purpose: Little is known about influences of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on dietary intake and body composition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary status, body fat distribution and leptin in overweight young men with and without OSAS in comparison to published values for normal weight counterparts. Methods: Groups were comprised of 24 sedentary overweight young men with and without OSAS, who had a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m². Serum leptin concentration was measured in the 24 subjects using radioimmunoassay, while OSAS assessment was done using nighttime home somnography. Analysis of 4-day diet recalls was performed using Nutritionist Pro (First DataBank, Inc., San Bruno, CA). A Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score was calculated for the 24 overweight subjects. Results: There were no differences between the two overweight groups for total fat mass, central abdominal fat, BMI, waist circumference, leptin, or the HEI. The HEI was not predictive of overall OSAS severity; however, BMI was moderately related to OSAS severity (r = 0.39; p=0.05). The normal weight group did have a 50% higher report of carbohydrate intake, and consumed on average, 500 more kilocalories per day. The normal weight group consumed 50% less sodium, and 50% more Vitamin's C and E including a 13% increase in the HEI. Conclusions: Regulation of eating behavior and related influences on diet composition may be affected by a number of neurohormonal disturbances associated with OSAS and/or obesity, itself. Further research is needed to quantify these possible differences on dietary status and the underlying mechanism involved.
Dietary Intake Estimations and Anthropometric Measurements in Healthy Young Adult Women with Differing Eating Characteristics
McGeorge, Dana K. (Virginia Tech, 2008-08-25)
Objective: To investigate differences in dietary intake variables and anthropometric measurements in healthy young adult women of healthy body mass index (BMI) with high and low scores of cognitive eating restraint (CER), disinhibition (DI), and hunger. Design: Cross-sectional study in which the Eating Inventory was completed along with the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire and anthropometric measurements using standard procedures and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively. Participants: 65 healthy young adult women. Setting: This research was conducted in the Bone Laboratory on the campus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. Statistical analyses: Independent t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficient analyses, and general linear regression models. Results: Women with high CER scores (n=32; mean±SD CER score=13.1±2.4) consumed more fruits per day (2.4±0.9 svg/d) compared to women with low CER scores (n=33; CER score=4.5±3.0; fruits=1.8±1.1 svg/d; p<0.05). Women with high hunger scores (n=35; hunger score=7.5±2.2) consumed less fruits per day (1.8±0.9 svg/d) compared to women with low hunger scores (n=30; hunger score=3.0±1.1; fruits=2.4±1.1 svg/d; p<0.05). Women with high compared to low CER scores had higher body weight (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05), fat mass (p<0.05), and body fat percentage (p<0.05), while women with high (n=31; DI score=7.6±2.5) compared to low (n=34; DI score=2.9±1.0) DI scores were taller (p<0.05). Hunger predicted estimated daily dietary intakes of total energy (p<0.05), protein (p<0.01), and fat (p<0.01), while CER (p<0.05) and DI (p<0.05) predicted estimated daily dietary fruit intake. Conclusion: In healthy young adult women, eating characteristics can distinguish between some dietary intake patterns and anthropometric measurements. Hunger is a predictor of estimated energy, protein, and fat intake in these women.
Dietary Patterns Associated with Weight Change in College Students
McGrath, Kelly Ann (Virginia Tech, 2007-01-22)
Background: Dietary patterns that include recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and dairy, combined with regular physical activity and frequent breakfast consumption are optimal choices for weight loss or weight maintenance over time. College students are at an increased risk for weight gain due to environmental and behavioral changes that are associated with decreased dietary quality and physical inactivity. Preventing weight gain in college students may have a profound impact on prevalence of overweight or obesity later in life. Objective: To examine associations between weight change and dietary patterns in college students. Design: A longitudinal observational study. Dietary intake and physical activity were self-reported on seven-day food records and compared to dietary guidelines for compliance with recommendations. Subjects/Setting: Data from 80 students enrolled in a fall semester introductory nutrition course at a large state university were analyzed in the fall and spring semester . Main outcome measures: Daily servings of total fruit (fruit and juice), total vegetables (fried and non-fried), dairy (regular and low-fat), whole grains, and dietary fiber, breakfast consumption, body weight changes and physical activity. Statistical Analysis Performed: Associations between diet quality and weight change were analyzed using Chi-square analysis. Weight change was analyzed by diet quality and breakfast consumption using t-test and by metabolic equivalents (METHRS/day) using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p<0.05). Significant associations were analyzed by Pearson's correlation (two-sided, p<0.05). Results: Weight and body mass index (BMI kg/m2) were significantly higher compared to baseline. The majority of students did not meet recommendations for daily servings of fruit, vegetable, dairy, whole grains, and dietary fiber. Higher diet quality was significantly associated with more frequent breakfast consumption and students who maintained or lost weight reported significantly higher intakes of total fruit, low-fat dairy and whole grains. Conclusion: Failure to meet dietary guidelines resulting in lower diet quality was distinctive of this population and was associated with significant changes in body weight over one academic year. Applications: Educational interventions aimed at improving diet quality may inhibit weight gain commonly seen in college students.
Differences in Health Risk Behaviors between College Freshmen Living in Special Interest Housing and Traditional Housing
O'Neill, Erin Kristine (Virginia Tech, 2007-05-24)
Literature reveals that college freshmen that reside on American campuses partake in many risky health behaviors, but little is known on the effects of housing on these risk behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the health risk behaviors of college freshmen that lived in either traditional, non-themed housing or in wellness themed housing (WELL) and if there was a difference between the two. Four research questions guided this study: (1). What are the risk behaviors of freshmen college students? (2). What are the risk behaviors of students in the WELL LC? (3). What are the risk behaviors of freshman residing in traditional housing? (4). What are the differences in risk behaviors between the freshmen living in the WELL LC and traditionally housed freshmen? The health risk behaviors that were determined for testing were injury-related behaviors, substance use behaviors, sexual behaviors, dietary behaviors, physical activity and sleep. The instrument used was a combination of the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey and Epworth Sleep Survey. The Traditional and the WELL completed the surveys in the beginning of the fall semester and again at the end of the spring semester of the same academic year. There were a higher percentage of alcohol-related injury behaviors, substance use and sexual activity in traditional residents. Dietary behaviors, physical activity and sleep behaviors were not significantly different between Traditional and WELL residents. The conclusion of this study indicated that the WELL housing may have had a positive effect on abstaining from alcohol, drugs, and sexual behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the root cause of these behavioral differences.
Does the Relative Age Effect Exist in Elite Sport? An Analysis of Olympic Competition
Wingfield, Kathryn McGhee (Virginia Tech, 2017-06-13)
Studies have concluded that youth sports programs have a bias selection process in identifying player talent. Athletes that are identified as talented are more likely to be born in the first three months after the eligibility cut-off for a program's particular age group. This is referred to as the relative age effect (RAE) and has been identified in many youth sports. However, it is not known if the RAE carries over into elite, adult competition. The purpose of this study was to determine if the RAE exists in Olympic competition and to compare the RAE between genders, team vs individual sports, weight class vs non-weight class sports, and medalists vs non-medalists. Data on Olympians competing in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics were gathered from publicly available databases. Lorenz curves were constructed and Gini coefficients calculated to detect unexpected distributions of birth months. In addition, linear regression was used to determine a directional distribution. A negative Gini coefficient and a statistically significant negative slope of the birth month distribution suggested the existence of a RAE. The results showed that there was a RAE in Olympic competition. For all athletes, the Gini coefficient was -0.0324 and the slope of -0.0014 fraction of athletes born per month. Within specific sports, the RAE varies considerably with some showing a positive RAE. Further, the RAE in Olympic athletes does not seem to be influenced by gender, type of team or success of the athlete.
Effect of a New Nationally-Mandated Healthy Competitive Foods Policy on Middle School Students' Dietary Intake
Mann, Georgianna Rhodes (Virginia Tech, 2016-02-11)
Nearly one-third of children in the United States (U.S.) are classified as overweight or obese. Weight status in childhood and adolescence has been tied to adult obesity, which also affects more than one-third of adults in the U.S. Availability of foods and beverages can affect dietary habits, particularly in schools. Students spend most of their waking hours and consume almost half of their daily energy intake in schools. In July of 2014, competitive foods and beverages were required to meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards. Competitive foods and beverages are items sold outside of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Competitive foods include items offered à la carte, in vending machines, in school stores, and as fundraisers. The goals of this study were to: 1) examine the nutritional quality of competitive foods and beverages in vending machines and as à la carte available to students and 2) assess snack food and beverage intake by students before and after the implementation of the new standards in a sample of middle schools in rural Appalachian Virginia. Eight middle schools with higher than 50% of student eligibility for free or reduced priced lunches were included in the sample. Audits of food and beverage products sold in vending machines and à la carte were completed in the spring of 2014 and 2015. Food frequency questionnaires were completed by students in participating schools. Results showed improvements in school food offerings, though no schools were completely compliant with the new standards. The components of students' diets did not change significantly during the study period, suggesting that improved compliance may not be enough to create a dietary shift. Foods were often replaced with reformulated versions of the same products sold before the implementation of the standards. Incentives for schools to sell more nutrient-dense options such as fruits and vegetables may be helpful to create changes in student's diets. Schools may also require additional training and assistance to fully implement nutrition standards and reach full compliance. Further research is needed to understand barriers to and possible solutions for offering healthier foods and beverages to students in middle schools.
The Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome on Cardiovascular Function with Exercise Testing in Young Adult Males
Hargens, Trent Alan (Virginia Tech, 2007-02-02)
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a serious disorder that affects an estimated 24% of middle-age males, and 9% of middle-aged females. In addition, a large portion of individuals with OSAS go undiagnosed. OSAS is associated with several adverse health problems, including the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, there is a clear need to identify new methods for assessing OSAS risk. The exercise test has been used effectively as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for those at high risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Research into the cardiopulmonary responses to exercise testing in young adult men with OSAS has not been examined. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate whether OSAS is characterized by exaggerated ventilatory responses to ramp exercise testing, with a secondary aim to evaluate if variations in serum leptin concentration might exert a regulatory in ventilatory responses during exercise; 2) To evaluate whether autonomic control of the cardiovascular response during exercise is distorted by OSAS in young overweight men, as manifested by a blunting of heart rate and exaggeration of blood pressure responses.; 3) To explore whether various simple clinical measures and response patterns from graded exercise testing might serve to discriminate between young men with and without OSAS. Methods: For objectives one and two, 14 obese men with OSAS [age = 22.4 ± 2.8; body mass index (BMI) = 32.0 ± 3.7; apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) = 22.7 ± 18.5], 16 obese men without OSAS (age = 21.4 ± 2.6; BMI = 31.4 ± 3.7), and 14 normal weight subjects (objective 2) (age = 21.4 ± 2.1; BMI = 22.0 ± 1.3) were recruited. For objective three, 91 men (age = 21.6 ± 2.8; AHI range = 0.6 – 60.5; BMI range = 19.0 – 43.9) were recruited. Subjects completed a ramp cycle ergometer exercise test, and a fasting blood sample was obtained to measure plasma leptin and blood lipid levels. Repeated measures ANOVA and stepwise linear regression was used to examine objectives 1 and 2. For objective 3, stepwise linear regression and receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was utilized. Results: Ventilation (VE), the ventilatory equivalents for oxygen (VE/VO₂) and carbon dioxide (VE/VCO₂) were greater in the OSAS subjects vs. the overweight subjects without OSAS (P = 0.05, P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively) at all exercise intensities. Heart rate (HR) recovery was attenuated in the overweight OSAS subjects compared to the No-OSAS and Control groups throughout 5 minutes of active recovery (P = 0.009). Oxygen uptake, HR, and blood pressure did not differ throughout exercise. Leptin was not associated with ventilatory responses at any exercise intensity. Linear regression analysis revealed hip-to-height ratio (HHR), hip circumference (HC), triglyceride levels, and recovery systolic blood pressure ratio (SBPR) at 2 and 4 minutes were independent predictors of AHI (model fit: R² = 0.68, p <0.0001). ROC analysis determined that percent body fat, HHR, and recovery HR at 2 minutes and 4 minutes were the best single predictors of OSAS risk (AUC = 0.77 for each measure, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Unique ventilatory and hemodynamic characteristics to maximal exercise testing are exhibited in young men with OSAS. These characteristics may be related to alterations in the sympathetic nervous system and chemoreceptor activation, and may be early clinical signs in the progression of OSAS. These exercise characteristics, along with anthropometric and body composition measures may provide useful information in identifying young men at risk for OSAS.
Examination of Head Start students' and teachers' attitudes and behaviors toward trying new foods as part of a social marketing campaign
Stratton, Jessica Nicole (Virginia Tech, 2008-04-15)
Objective: To determine the impact of preschool teacher food-related attitudes and behaviors on child food behaviors. Design: A twelve-week intervention and observational study with teachers completing questionnaires before and after the intervention. Setting: Head Start classrooms throughout Virginia. Participants: 177 preschool Head Start teachers and 1534 children. Intervention(s): Food Friends, a twelve-week social marketing campaign, was conducted by Head Start teachers during the Spring 2007, introducing children to novel foods with food puppets, nutrition-related activities and novel food tasting opportunities. Hypotheses related to the impact of preschool teachers' food-related attitudes and behaviors on children's food behaviors were tested, and changes in teacher and child food behaviors were measured. Main Outcome Measures: Teacher food-related attitudes and behaviors were measured/quantified. Child food behaviors were measured and compared to teacher attitudes and behaviors. Analysis: Descriptive, correlational and t-test statistics were conducted. Results: Teachers' and children's acceptance of novel foods improved after the Food Friends program, however, no direct correlations were found between teacher food-related attitudes and behaviors and child food behaviors. Conclusions and Implications: Preschool teacher attitudes and behaviors may not significantly impact child food-related behaviors. More research is needed to determine effective ways of encouraging positive child food behaviors.

Browsing by Author "Hosig, Kathryn W."

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