Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior - Articles in Press

Food Safety Education Using an Interactive Multimedia Kiosk in a WIC Setting: Correlates of Client Satisfaction and Practical Issues - Corrected Proof

Mary Jo Trepka, Frederick L. Newman, Fatma G. Huffman, Zisca Dixon — 2010-02-10

Abstract: Objective: To assess acceptability of food safety education delivered by interactive multimedia (IMM) in a Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) clinic.Methods: Female clients or caregivers (n=176) completed the food-handling survey; then an IMM food safety education program on a computer kiosk. Satisfaction with program, participant demographics, and change in food-handling behavior were assessed by univariate analyses.Results: Over 90% of the participants enjoyed the kiosk, and most (87.5%) reported using computers a lot. Compared with participants with education beyond high school, participants with less education were more likely to report enjoying the kiosk (98.2% vs 88.1%, P = .007), preferred learning with the kiosk (91.7% vs 79.1%, P = .02), and would like to learn about other topics using IMM (95.4% vs 86.6%, P = .04).Conclusions and Implications: Food safety education delivered by IMM was well accepted by inner-city WIC clinic clients, including those with less education.

Motivation and Its Relationship to Adherence to Self-monitoring and Weight Loss in a 16-week Internet Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention - Corrected Proof

Kelly H. Webber, Deborah F. Tate, Dianne S. Ward, J. Michael Bowling — 2010-02-08

Abstract: Objective: To examine changes in motivation and the relationship of motivation to adherence to self-monitoring and weight loss in a 16-week Internet behavioral weight-loss intervention.Design: Two-group randomized design.Setting: This study was conducted over the Internet.Participants: Sixty-six women, ages 22-65, with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40, and with a home computer with Internet access, participated.Intervention: These data are from an Internet behavioral weight-loss program in which all participants received a face-to-face initial session followed by the 16-week Internet program.Main Outcome Measures: Adherence to self-monitoring and weight loss were the main outcome measures.Analysis: Linear regression and mediation analysis using the Baron and Kenny method were conducted.Results: Autonomous motivation increased initially and remained high for those who ultimately achieved a 5% weight loss, but declined over time for participants who did not achieve a 5% weight loss. Autonomous motivation at 4 weeks was a predictor of adherence to self-monitoring and 16-week weight loss. Adherence mediated the relationship between autonomous motivation and weight loss.Conclusions and Implications: These results suggest that autonomous motivation may be a promising intervention target for promoting program procedure adherence and weight loss.

Behavioral Change Theories Can Inform the Prediction of Young Adults' Adoption of a Plant-based Diet - Corrected Proof

Brett A. Wyker, Kirsten K. Davison — 2010-02-08

Abstract: Objective: Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), this study (1) examines links between stages of change for following a plant-based diet (PBD) and consuming more fruits and vegetables (FV); (2) tests an integrated theoretical model predicting intention to follow a PBD; and (3) identifies associated salient beliefs.Design: Cross-sectional.Setting: Large public university in the northeastern United States.Participants: 204 college students.Main Outcome Measures: TPB and TTM constructs were assessed using validated scales. Outcome, normative, and control beliefs were measured using open-ended questions.Analysis: The overlap between stages of change for FV consumption and adopting a PBD was assessed using Spearman rank correlation analysis and cross-tab comparisons. The proposed model predicting adoption of a PBD was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). Salient beliefs were coded using automatic response coding software.Results: No association was found between stages of change for FV consumption and following a PBD. Results from SEM analyses provided support for the proposed model predicting intention to follow a PBD. Gender differences in salient beliefs for following a PBD were found.Conclusions and Implications: Results demonstrate the potential for effective theory-driven and stage-tailored public health interventions to promote PBDs.

Associations Between Parental Concern for Adolescent Weight and the Home Food Environment and Dietary Intake - Corrected Proof

Abbie MacFarlane, David Crawford, Anthony Worsley — 2010-01-25

Abstract: Objective: Examine associations between parental concern about adolescent weight and adolescent perceptions of their dietary intake, home food availability, family mealtime environment, and parents' feeding practices.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: Adolescents, aged 12-15 years from 37 secondary schools in Victoria, Australia, and their parents completed surveys in 2004-2005.Participants: 1,448 adolescent–parent pairs.Main Outcome Measures: Parental concern about adolescent weight; adolescent perceptions of their food intake and home food environment.Analysis: Chi-square tests, exploratory factor analysis, independent t tests (P < .01).Results: Although 12% of parents perceived their adolescent as overweight, 27% were concerned about their adolescent's weight (under- or overweight). Adolescents of concerned parents reported lower intakes of energy-dense snacks and less home availability of these food items, and they perceived that their parents less often listened to and considered their food preferences when shopping and cooking, than did adolescents of unconcerned parents. Concerned parents were no more likely to provide fruits and vegetables in the home or a positive family mealtime environment than unconcerned parents, at least as reported by their adolescents.Conclusions and Implications: Parental concern about adolescent weight was associated with lower intakes of energy-dense snacks among adolescents, less home availability of these food items, and less supportive parental feeding practices. Parents should be encouraged to listen to and consider their adolescents' food preferences, and provide supportive family mealtime environments and healthful food in the home.

Food Consumption Patterns of Nigerian Adolescents and Effect on Body Weight - Corrected Proof

M.F. Olumakaiye, Tola Atinmo, M.A. Olubayo-Fatiregun — 2010-01-18

Abstract: Objective: Association between nutritional status of adolescents and food consumption pattern.Design: Data on number of meals and snacks consumed daily were collected using structured questionnaires. Nutritional status was assessed as weight-for-age body mass index score less than fifth percentile of the National Center for Health Statistics/World Health Organization International Growth Reference.Setting: Cross-sectional studies of adolescents using multistage random sampling procedure.Participants: 401 adolescents from 32 secondary schools in Osun State, Nigeria.Analysis: Frequency counts, percentages, and cross-tabulation analysis were used to analyze data, analysis of variance was used to test the differences, as well as chi-square analysis. Level of significance was taken at .05 and .01 levels.Results: 66.1% of adolescents ate 3 meals daily; this percentage was higher among rural (75.4%) than urban (61.4%) children (P < .001). About 33.0% consumed snacks daily but to a varying degree, which was higher among urban than rural adolescents (P = .002). Prevalence of underweight was 20.1%, more common in rural (22.1%) than urban adolescents (18.7%). Underweight prevalence was highest among those who ate 3 meals and no snacks daily (28.6%) and least among those who ate 3 meals and snacks twice daily (15.9%).Conclusion: Snacks are important in food consumption among adolescents; when snacks are consumed in addition to 3 meals, they will improve the nutritional status of adolescents.