Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior RSS feed: Current Issue. Aims & Scopes The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (JNEB) , the official journal of the Society for Nutrition Education , is a refereed, scientific periodical that serves as a resource for all professionals with an interest in nutrition education and dietary/physical activity behaviors. The purpose of JNEB is to document and disseminate original research, emerging issues and practices relevant to nutrition education and behavior worldwide. The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior welcomes evidence-based manuscripts that provide new insights and useful findings related to nutrition education research, practice and policy. The content areas of JNEB reflect the diverse interests of health, nutrition, education, Cooperative Extension and other professionals working in areas related to nutrition education and behavior. As the Society's official journal, JNEB also includes occasional policy statements, issue perspectives, and member communications. Guidelines for Authors are available at www.jneb.org/authorinfo http://www.jneb.org/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Society for Nutrition Education. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior1499-4046422March 2010 © 2010 Society for Nutrition Education. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404610000308/abstract?rss=yesEnvironmental factors can be critically important when deciding whether to choose a more or less healthful food. Two articles in this issue of the Journal focus on environmental factors and their policy implications. Colby et al surveyed major grocery stores in Grand Forks, ND. Most (71%) products marketed to children had nutrition marketing statements, but the majority of these items were high in saturated fat, sodium, and/or sugar. Nutrition marketing included a food company's health symbol as well as claims such as “good source of calcium” and “reduced/low/fat free.” The authors concluded, “Current food industry symbols may not be helping consumers select foods low in saturated fat, sodium or sugar.” Nutrition educators need to be aware of how different food industry symbols define healthful items in order to provide guidance to consumers. In addition, educators need to advocate for policies supporting food labeling that helps consumers make healthful choices. Nickelson et al investigated the association between school vending machine purchases, soft drink consumption, and parental policies on soft drink purchasing for middle school students in Kentucky. They found that students were four times more likely to consume soft drinks if purchased from school vending machines. The effect of school vending machines appeared to be moderated by parental policies. Students reporting strict limits on purchasing soft drinks consumed fewer soft drinks than students reporting minor limits on purchasing these drinks. The implications of this study are that policies limiting soft drink vending in schools may be an effective way of reducing consumption of these beverages and that parents can influence consumption in their children through family policies limiting purchasing of soft drinks. Both current and future nutrition educators can use articles such as these to learn about the effect of environmental factors on eating behavior and to advocate for policy changes supporting healthful food choices.Environmental and Policy Factors in Choosing Healthful FoodsGeoffrey Greene10.1016/j.jneb.2010.01.002Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1From SNE7171http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404610000291/abstract?rss=yesAs nutrition educators we know evaluation is important. Evaluation documents the effectiveness of programs, provides input for future program planning, and may provide feedback to the program participants. Evaluation should be as much a part of the program as learning objectives.Assessment Tools: Reliable, Valid, Sensitive, and Easy!Karen Chapman-Novakofski10.1016/j.jneb.2010.01.001Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1From JNEB7171http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404609004461/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Given the federal cost-containment policy to rebalance long-term care away from nursing homes to home- and community-based services, it is the position of the American Dietetic Association, the American Society for Nutrition, and the Society for Nutrition Education that all older adults should have access to food and nutrition programs that ensure the availability of safe, adequate food to promote optimal nutritional status. Appropriate food and nutrition programs include adequately funded food assistance and meal programs, nutrition education, screening, assessment, counseling, therapy, monitoring, evaluation, and outcomes documentation to ensure more healthful aging. The growing number of older adults, the health care focus on prevention, and the global economic situation accentuate the fundamental need for these programs. Yet far too often food and nutrition programs are disregarded or taken for granted. Growing older generally increases nutritional risk. Illnesses and chronic diseases; physical, cognitive, and social challenges; racial, ethnic, and linguistic differences; and low socioeconomic status can further complicate a situation. The beneficial effects of nutrition for health promotion, risk reduction, and disease management need emphasis. Although many older adults are enjoying longer and more healthful lives in their own homes, others, especially those with health disparities and poor nutritional status, would benefit from greater access to food and nutrition programs and services. Food and nutrition practitioners can play a major role in promoting universal access and integrating food and nutrition programs and nutrition services into home- and community-based services.Position of the American Dietetic Association, American Society for Nutrition, and Society for Nutrition Education: Food and Nutrition Programs for Community-Residing Older AdultsBarbara J. Kamp, Nancy S. Wellman, Carlene Russell10.1016/j.jneb.2009.12.001Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1From SNE7282http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404608008269/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Objective: This qualitative study used a case study approach to explore the potential of farm-to-school programs to simultaneously improve children's diets and provide farmers with viable market opportunities.Design: Semistructured interviews were the primary data collection strategy.Setting: Seven farm-to-school programs in the Upper Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States.Participants: Seven school food service professionals, 7 farmers, and 4 food distributors recruited from 7 farm-to-school programs.Phenomenon of Interest: Interviews probed why farmers, school food service professionals, and food distributors participate in farm-to-school programs and how they characterize the opportunities and challenges to local school food procurement.Analysis: Data were analyzed using thematic coding and data displays.Results: School food service professionals described 3 motivators for buying locally grown food for their cafeterias: (1) “The students like it,” (2) “The price is right,” and (3) “We're helping our local farmer.” Students' preference for locally grown food was related to food quality, influence of school staff, and relationships with farmers. Buying food directly from farmers and wholesalers was associated with lower prices and flexible specifications, and the “local feel.”Conclusions and Implications: Understanding school food service professionals' motivations for buying locally grown food is critical to the sustainability of farm-to-school programs.Farm-to-School Programs: Perspectives of School Food Service ProfessionalsBetty T. Izumi, Katherine Alaimo, Michael W. Hamm10.1016/j.jneb.2008.09.003Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Research Articles8391http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404608008476/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Objective: This research sought to determine how often nutrition marketing is used on labels of foods that are high in saturated fat, sodium, and/or sugar.Design and Setting: All items packaged with food labels (N = 56,900) in all 6 grocery stores in Grand Forks, ND were surveyed.Main Outcome Measure(s): Marketing strategy, nutrient label information, if the product was fruit/or milk based, and target age.Analysis: Frequency distributions were computed.Results: Forty-nine percent of all products contained nutrition marketing and of those, 48% had both nutrition marketing and were high in saturated fat, sodium and/or sugar (11%, 17%, and 31% respectively). Seventy-one percent of products marketed to children had nutrition marketing. Of those, 59% were high in saturated fat, sodium and/or sugar content, with more than half being high in sugar. The most commonly used nutrition marketing statements were “good source of calcium”, “reduced/low/fat free”, and “food company's health symbol”.Conclusions and Implications: Nutrition marketing is commonly used on products high in saturated fat, sodium and/or sugar and is more often used on products marketed toward children than products marketed toward adults. Current food industry symbols may not be helping consumers select foods low in saturated fat, sodium or sugar.Nutrition Marketing on Food LabelsSarah E. Colby, LuAnn Johnson, Angela Scheett, Bonita Hoverson10.1016/j.jneb.2008.11.002Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-01-22Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-01-22422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Research Articles9298http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404609000220/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Objective: To examine serving size knowledge in African Americans and how it is related to body mass index (BMI).Design: Serving size knowledge of food commonly consumed by African Americans was assessed by asking the subjects to select the amount of food considered to be a single serving size by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. Seventeen food items were tested, and the amounts selected were weighed. Body mass index was estimated from measured height and weight.Setting: Churches.Particpants: Ninety-five African American women.Main Outcome Measures: Amount of food selected and BMI.Analyses: The amount of food selected was compared with the respective standard serving using the 1-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test. The association between BMI and the amount selected was assessed by logistic regression.Results: The subjects significantly overestimated (P = .001 to .02) serving sizes for cornflakes, apple, watermelon, butter, whole milk, chips, and regular soda. Body mass index was significantly associated with overestimation of cornflakes, butter, cookies, and macaroni and cheese (P = .01 to .03), and the odds ratio for overestimating these food items was 1.46-1.65 times greater per 5-unit increase in BMI.Conclusions and Implications: African American women overestimated the serving sizes for 7 of the food items tested, and 4 of the estimates were correlated with BMI. Education regarding serving size is recommended for certain food items.Food Serving Size Knowledge in African American Women and the Relationship with Body Mass IndexMeena Shah, Beverley Adams-Huet, Elizabeth Elston, Stacy Hubbard, Kristin Carson10.1016/j.jneb.2009.02.001Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-01-18Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-01-18422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Research Articles99105http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404609002243/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Objective: To investigate the family food system in first-generation Chinese American families.Design: Qualitative interviews using reciprocal determinism constructs to understand influences on food choices.Setting: Weekend Chinese schools in Pennsylvania.Participants: Twenty couples with at least 1 child aged 5 or older enrolled in a Chinese school in 1 of 3 sites in Pennsylvania.Phenomenon of Interest: Factors influencing adoption of Western food.Analysis: Thematic analysis with constant comparison of interview transcripts and descriptive statistics of demographic data. Families were divided into “modified” and “traditional” patterns based on degree of parental retention of the Chinese dinner pattern.Results: Many Chinese American families consumed convenient American food at breakfast, whereas they ate mainly Chinese food for lunch and dinner. Most parents reported their children were picky eaters and learned to prefer Western food to traditional Chinese food in institutional settings. Conflicts arose with children's requests for Western food disliked by their parents. Parents were especially frustrated about their children's refusal to eat vegetables. Most struggled to control children's food choices with inconsistent rules and inequitable rule enforcement at dinner. The father's view of the importance of the Chinese dinner pattern had the most impact on its retention in the face of children's demands.Conclusions and Implications: Chinese American parents established rules backed by parental power to maintain a Chinese meal pattern. They appear to need guidance to identify healthful Western food items that satisfy children's preferences while preserving their vegetable intake.Chinese American Family Food Systems: Impact of Western InfluencesNan Lv, J. Lynne Brown10.1016/j.jneb.2009.04.005Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Research Articles106114http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS149940460900027X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Objective: To examine associations between parental limits on soft drinks and purchasing soft drinks from school vending machines and consuming soft drinks among middle school students.Design: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the middle school Youth Risk Behavior Survey.Setting: Eight public middle schools in central Kentucky.Participants: All sixth- through eighth-grade students in 7 schools and all eighth-grade students in 1 school (n = 4,049).Variables Measured: Self-reported parental limits on soft drink intake, school vending machine soft drink purchases, soft drink consumption, and control variables.Analysis: Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses.Results: Compared to students with no parental limits on soft drink consumption, students with the strictest limits were less likely to purchase soft drinks from school vending machines and consume soft drinks; conversely, students with minor parental limitations were more likely to consume soft drinks. The odds of consuming soft drinks were nearly 4 times greater when students purchased soft drinks from school vending machines than when they did not.Conclusions and Implications: Further research may enhance understanding of the influence of varying degrees of parental limitations. Efforts to reduce children's soft drink consumption may be augmented by policies limiting soft drink purchases in schools.Associations between Parental Limits, School Vending Machine Purchases, and Soft Drink Consumption among Kentucky Middle School StudentsJen Nickelson, Mary G. Roseman, Melinda S. Forthofer10.1016/j.jneb.2009.02.005Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-01-25Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-01-25422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Research Articles115122http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS149940460800849X/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Objective: To develop and assess reliability and validity of the Nutrition, Food Safety, and Physical Activity Checklist to measure nutrition, food safety, and physical activity practices among adult Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Food Stamp Nutrition Education program (FSNE) participants.Methods: Test-retest reliability (Cronbach α), internal consistency (Pearson Correlation), criterion-related validity (Spearman Correlation Coefficients), and sensitivity-to-change, were calculated for dietary quality, food safety, and physical activity, based on data collected from 73 EFNEP and FSNE participants.Results: Nutrition and physical activity domains achieved reliability coefficients of 0.70. The instrument scored Spearman correlation coefficients of 0.20 for nutrition, 0.34 for food safety, and 0.28 for physical activity.Conclusions and Implications: The instrument consistently measured dietary and physical activity practices, but not food safety. All domains obtained low correlation coefficients, although consistent with other studies' validity results.Development and Testing of a Nutrition, Food Safety, and Physical Activity Checklist for EFNEP and FSNE Adult ProgramsTraliece Bradford, Elena L. Serrano, Ruby H. Cox, Michael Lambur10.1016/j.jneb.2008.11.005Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Research Briefs123130http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404609001870/abstract?rss=yesAbstract: Objective: To assess mother-child agreement on the child's past food exposure, and factors affecting response discrepancy.Methods: Twelve- to 14-year-old children and their mothers (n = 78) in an urban community, a rural community, and 2 orthodontic clinics completed a 69-item food questionnaire to determine mother-child level of agreement on the child's past consumption frequency; response discrepancies; the frequencies that the mother cooked for and ate together with her child; food types; mother-child pair effect; and food item effect.Results: Sixty-eight percent of food items had moderate to good agreement (Kqw ≥ 0.41). Rural pairs had lower odds of producing response discrepancy (odds ratio = 0.55). Variances of the mother-child pair and food item random effects were 0.87 and 0.08, respectively.Conclusions and Implications: The child's past food exposure recall by the mother and the child had moderate to good agreement, especially among rural mother-child pairs. Mother-child disagreement was not affected by the food items.Mother-child Agreement on the Child's Past Food ExposureUdom Thongudomporn, Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, Alan F. Geater10.1016/j.jneb.2009.03.130Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-01-22Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-01-22422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Research Briefs131136http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404609003467/abstract?rss=yesSchool-based health fairs, that include a variety of informational and/or “fun” booths, are examples of Level 1 interventions designed to build awareness of a health or nutritional topic or problem. Designing, implementing, and evaluating a health fair requires considerable resources. Yet recent examination of their efficacy in increasing knowledge is limited. No research has been conducted on preadolescents, a group whose patterns of behavior and food choices may affect their current and future health status. Currently, almost one third of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 are overweight or obese. Less than 10% of females and 25% of males aged 9 to 13 years old meet calcium requirements. This project developed and evaluated a 1-day health fair aimed at increasing knowledge relating to healthful eating and physical activity in a multiethnic group (43% Caucasian, 42% Asian, and 12% Hispanic) of preadolescents attending a large, suburban middle school.School Health Fairs Show Potential to Improve Short-term LearningMarjorie R. Freedman10.1016/j.jneb.2009.08.005Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Great Educational Materials (GEMs)137138http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS149940460900387X/abstract?rss=yesProviding knowledge alone is simply not enough to motivate children to eat fruits and vegetables. Innovative nutrition education strategies are often needed to improve attitudes and behaviors about fruit and vegetable intake. Educational theater for nutrition education is one approach in particular that rarely gets attention from academia. The use of education entertainment, or “edutainment,” is the incorporation of education with entertainment and is known to enhance the overall learning experience for the audience. Although previous theater-based nutrition education programs exist, the literature concerning the effect of teen-led interventions is limited.Edutainment and Teen Modeling May Spark Interest in Nutrition & Physical Activity in Elementary School AudiencesLinda Bergmann, Dawn Clifford, Cindy Wolff10.1016/j.jneb.2009.10.001Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Great Educational Materials (GEMs)139141http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS149940460900400X/abstract?rss=yes This magazine is the collaborative effort of the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Service and Bison Athletics. It is part of a statewide educational program that also includes a video featuring Thundar, the Bison mascot; a Web site (http://www.ndsu.edu/eatsmart); a 4-H club recognition program; poster contests; and classroom lessons for kids, with newsletters for parents. The magazine's premiere issue brings together the expertise of faculty across NDSU with articles that range from making time for family meals to saving money on gas when driving children to activities.Downloadable Magazine, Web Site, and Educational MaterialsEllen Schuster10.1016/j.jneb.2009.10.006Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Web sites142.e1142.e1http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404609003959/abstract?rss=yes The Cancer Survivor's Guide will give you important insights into what researchers have proven: food choices can help prevent cancer, and when cancer has been diagnosed, nutrition can improve survival. These links between diet and cancer are nothing short of dramatic. And now you can learn how certain dietary patterns help people diagnosed with cancer live longer, more healthful lives. The Cancer Survivor's Guide provides comprehensive advice you can put to work right now. You will have information on how simple, everyday choices can improve your health and well-being. The science behind how a plant-based diet provides cancer-fighting compounds and immune-boosting nutrients that cells need to be healthy; more than 130 recipes; and a comprehensive list of references and resources for further information on diet and cancer.The Cancer Survivor's Guide: Foods that Help You Fight Back!Cynthia Wright10.1016/j.jneb.2009.10.005Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Books142.e3142.e3http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404609004011/abstract?rss=yesThis book—a part of the Contemporary World Issues series—is an authoritative analysis of the effects of obesity on the health and the economic and social well-being of the United States, with a focus on controversies and informed action.ObesityEtta Saltos10.1016/j.jneb.2009.10.007Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Books142.e5142.e5http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404609004023/abstract?rss=yesThis book is an authoritative and practical guide to handling the difficult issue of food hypersensitivity. Offering advice for treating children and adults, the book is split into 3 main sections: diagnosis, dietary management, and allergy prevention/nutritional considerations. This book was written for dietitians, nutritionists, pediatricians, allergists, and other health care professionals who work in the area of food allergy.Food Hypersensitivity: Diagnosing and Managing Food Allergies and IntoleranceKathryn Kolasa, Kay Craven10.1016/j.jneb.2009.10.008Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1Books142.e7142.e7http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404610000060/abstract?rss=yesTable of Contents10.1016/S1499-4046(10)00006-0Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1FrontmatterA1A2http://www.jneb.org/article/PIIS1499404610000072/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board/Board of Directors10.1016/S1499-4046(10)00007-2Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 42, 2 (2010)2010-03-01Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior2010-03-01422S1499-4046(10)X0002-1FrontmatterA3A3