Two models for defining the relationship between theory and practice in nutrition education: is the scientific method meeting our needs?

Is competence enough to enable Kenyan mothers to make good infant and young child feeding decisions?

The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with maternal infant and young child feeding motivation in urban and rural Kenya. We conducted 18 focus group discussions with mothers of children 0 to 23 months of age and healthcare workers. The data were transcribed, translated, and explored following the principles of content analysis. We first explored and coded the data inductively and categorized it according to emerging themes representing the most relevant topics for young child feeding. After this, these themes were theorized into an explanatory framework. Finally, the results yielded seven themes integrated into self-determination theory's three basic motivation-building pillars: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. We found that maternal intrahousehold autonomy on child feeding was substantial. However, this autonomy was lost for a period of time while in close contact with the healthcare staff. The authority of the healthcare workers was at its peak when the child was born and faded gradually as the child grew. Building maternal competence is important for child-feeding outcomes, but our data showed that the health education methods used by the healthcare workers were inadequate to improve maternal to improve the motivation. The competence of Kenyan healthcare workers should be improved in the area of complementary feeding counseling, and they should be trained to provide practical and emotional support as a way of increasing maternal motivation on infant and child feeding.

Complexity of Exercise Behavior Among Older African American Women

Despite the exercise benefits, disparities among diverse older adults continue to exist, where African American women have the lowest percentage of any population group in meeting national recommended activity guidelines. Drawing on the philosophical tradition of phronesis (practical reasoning) introduced by Aristotle, we studied perceptions of the exercise value among 14 older African American women. Three themes included: (1) exercise goals (e.g., effort exerted), (2) exercise reasons (e.g., health benefits, enjoyment and convenience, and activity recommendation), and (3) inactivity reasons (e.g., health issues, lack of motivation, and family responsibilities/priorities). Although most women reported being active, only three participants met the Healthy People 2020 guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, while two individuals were inactive. Exercise promoters should consider the values that motivate older African American women to exercise, such as the provision of accessible, nondiscriminatory exercise facilities, and not to exercise, such as concerns about neighborhood safety, in designing programs.

Investigating Philosophies Underpinning Dietetic Private Practice

There is limited theory or knowledge regarding dietitians' practice philosophies and how these philosophies are generated and incorporated into their professional practices. For the purposes of this study, a conceptual framework will explain and define the 'philosophies' as three different types of knowledge; episteme, techne, and phronesis. This study aimed to develop an explanatory theory of how dietitians in private practice source, utilise, and integrate practice philosophies. A grounded theory qualitative methodology was used to inform the sampling strategy, data collection, and analytical processes. Semi-structured interviews with dietitians in private practice were undertaken and data were collected and analysed concurrently. The results show that dietitians form collaborative relationships with their clients, in order to nurture change over time. They use intrinsic and intertwined forms of episteme, techne, and phronesis, which allow them to respond both practically and sensitively to their clients' needs. The learning and integration of these forms of knowledge are situated in their own practice experience. Dietitians adapt through experience, feedback, and reflection. This study highlights that private practice offers a unique context in which dietitians deal with complex issues, by utilising and adapting their philosophies.

Values, Body Weight, and Well Being: The Influence of the Protestant Ethic and Consumerism on Physical Activity, Eating, and Body Image

This article explores how people's values shape their experiences and emotions with respect to physical activity, eating, and body image. It describes the results of a grounded theory analysis of individual and focus group interviews conducted as part of a community-based health improvement project, Wellness IN the Rockies (WIN the Rockies). The analysis links core theoretical constructs, including habitus, sedimentation, and natural attitude, to larger socio-cultural and historical trends embodied in the Protestant ethic and the rise of consumerism, illuminating how these values shape people's everyday understanding of their experiences. Key analytic frameworks focus on the socialization processes involved in inculcating values, identity formation, and moralization as they relate to health attitudes and behaviors. Major implications of the results are discussed, especially the need to enhance self-understanding about social values in health education.

Barriers to Eating Traditional Foods Vary by Age Group in Ecuador With Biodiversity Loss as a Key Issue

OBJECTIVE

To document the perceptions of indigenous peoples for the sustainable management of natural resources against malnutrition.

DESIGN

Initially 4 and then 12 interviews were conducted with 4 different age groups.

SETTING

Eight rural villages in Guasaganda, central Ecuador, were studied in 2011-2012.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 75 people (22 children, 18 adolescents, 20 adults, and 15 elders).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Benefits, severity, susceptibility, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy of eating traditional foods.

ANALYSIS

Qualitative content analysis was completed using NVivo software. Initial analysis was inductive, followed by a content analysis directed by the Health Belief Model. Coding was completed independently by 2 researchers and kappa statistics (κ ≥ 0.65) were used to evaluate agreement.

RESULTS

Healthy perceptions toward traditional foods existed and differed by age. Local young people ate traditional foods for their health benefits and good taste; adults cultivated traditional foods that had an economic benefit. Traditional knowledge used for consumption and cultivation of traditional foods was present but needs to be disseminated.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Nutrition education in schools is needed that supports traditional knowledge in younger groups and prevents dietary changes toward unhealthy eating. Increased production of traditional food is needed to address current economic realities.

Beyond positivism: Understanding and addressing childhood obesity disparities through a Critical Theory perspective

PURPOSE

We apply Critical Theory to examine menu labeling with the aim of uncovering important implications for nursing practice, research, and policy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our critical analysis uncovers barriers to menu labeling's effectiveness, particularly for vulnerable populations. Nurses must work to minimize the impact of these barriers and optimize the effectiveness of menu labeling, in order to strengthen the fight against obesity.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

We suggest changes, guided by this critical analysis, which can be implemented by nurses working in clinical practice, research, and policy.

Woodlands Wisdom: a nutrition program interfacing indigenous and biomedical epistemologies

The Woodlands Wisdom Nutrition Project represents a proactive approach of Tribal Colleges to address food and health concerns of indigenous communities. Befitting the unique mission of Tribal Colleges, Woodlands Wisdom has created a food and nutrition curriculum where local tribal culture and knowledge interfaces with nutrition science principles. A conceptual model of this approach is presented and discussed within a cross-cultural context. Although student outcome data are not yet reported, the model offers several considerations for nutrition educators working within cross-cultural contexts.

New moccasins: articulating research approaches through interviews with faculty and staff at Native and non-Native academic institutions

OBJECTIVE

The goals of this study were to explore the perceptions of professionals concerning research, its different approaches, and appropriate future directions with Native American communities, particularly in relation to nutrition issues.

DESIGN

Semistructured qualitative interviews. setting: Interviews were conducted at Native and non-Native academic institutions, at other relevant locations, and over the telephone.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants (N = 20) were from Native and non-Native academic institutions and had experience working with research in Native American communities.

PHENOMENA OF INTEREST

Relationships between Native and non-Native academic institutions, worldviews regarding research and American Indian communities, and beneficial research within American Indian communities.

ANALYSIS

Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and returned to the participants for review. Analysis of interview material involved eliciting themes.

RESULTS

Some participants acknowledged different cultural worldviews in relation to research. Many participants provided insight on how to define beneficial research. Most said building trust between Native and non-Native academic institutions is an important step in developing effective research relationships.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings are a first step toward creating a more equitable process of research that acknowledges different cultural worldviews and values community involvement within Native American communities.

Nutrition education, behavioral theories, and the scientific method: another viewpoint

In a previous viewpoint in this journal, David Buchanan suggested that the scientific model is inappropriate, ineffective, and possibly unethical in nutrition education research and championed the use of a more humanistic model. The purpose of this article is to provide a counterpoint to Buchanan's views. More specifically, this article will provide another interpretation of the current status of the scientific method in the social and behavioral sciences, will examine how the field of nutrition education has benefited from the use of the scientific method to evaluate behavioral theories, and will discuss what we are trying to achieve by using theory in nutrition education.