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Szczepanski JR, Litchfield RE, Beirman EA, Nolting LM, Genschel U. Effects of a Culinary Boot Camp intervention on food/nutrition aptitudes and dietary intake of college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:55-64. [PMID: 35015961 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.2016771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE College is characterized by transition, students shifting from dependence to independence in numerous roles/responsibilities. Deficiencies in food/nutrition aptitudes and dietary intake exist, evidenced by declining physical well-being and poor eating patterns/practices within the population. Studies examining interventions to improve food/nutrition aptitudes and dietary intake among college students are limited. Participants/methods: A nutrition education program, Culinary Boot Camp (CBC), was developed and delivered to college students at a land-grant university. Online surveys assessed food/nutrition aptitudes and dietary intake pre-/post-/follow-up intervention. Results: Of 86 CBC participants, 71 pre-, 46 post-, and 20 follow-up surveys were completed. Several food/nutrition aptitudes improved (p ≤ 0.05), with greatest improvements in cooking skills/attitudes and healthy eating/grocery shopping self-efficacy (p < 0.01). Additionally, dietary intake of various micronutrients (vitamin C, magnesium, potassium) and fiber increased with statistical significance (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Results suggest CBC is an effective nutrition education program to improve food/nutrition aptitudes and dietary intake amomg college students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth E Litchfield
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Erica A Beirman
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Lisa M Nolting
- Department of Student Wellness, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Ulrike Genschel
- Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Lambert L, Mann G, Knight S, Partacz M, Jurss MA, Eady M. Impact of Smart Snacks Intervention on College Students' Vending Selections. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:952-958. [PMID: 33798023 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1909048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To place Smart Snacks in vending machines and determine if different sales strategies affect Smart Snack selection. PARTICIPANTS University students living in resident halls. METHODS Vending machines included 50% Smart Snacks and 50% non compliant snacks. Three sales strategies targeted student selection of Smart Snacks: Reduced price, signage, and nutrition education activities. Three-way ANOVA was used for analysis. RESULTS There was a statistically significant three-way interaction on snack selection between sales strategy, study period, and snack type, F(4, 77) = 3.33, P = .01. There were no statistically significant simple two-way interaction between study period and sales strategy for either Smart Snack, F(1, 77) = 1.62, P = 0.18, or NC snack types, F(1, 77) = 2.02, P = 0.07. CONCLUSIONS Sales strategies did not affect Smart Snack selections. Advocates for healthier snacks in vending machines can align with university administrations to establish nutrient guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Lambert
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Georgianna Mann
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Scott Knight
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Megan Partacz
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Mariana A Jurss
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Matthew Eady
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, The University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
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Lambert LG, Chang Y, Mann G. College Students’ Intention to Select Healthy Snacks: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2020.1767003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Tam R, Beck KL, Manore MM, Gifford J, Flood VM, O'Connor H. Effectiveness of Education Interventions Designed to Improve Nutrition Knowledge in Athletes: A Systematic Review. Sports Med 2020; 49:1769-1786. [PMID: 31372860 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-019-01157-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A range of nutrition education strategies are used to assist athletes to improve nutrition knowledge. Evaluation of nutrition education interventions guides the delivery of efficacious nutrition education for athletes. AIM Our aim was to systematically review sport/general nutrition education interventions delivered to athletes, and to evaluate their effectiveness. METHODS A search was conducted using terms related to nutrition knowledge, athletes, education, and intervention. Included studies had to be conducted in athletes (all calibres), use a scored nutrition knowledge assessment tool, and measure knowledge before and after a nutrition education intervention. Peer-reviewed and unpublished theses were included. RESULTS Thirty-two manuscripts (randomised controlled trial, n = 13; single-arm pre/post design, n = 19) met the inclusion criteria. Participants (n = 2180; mean age 17.4 ± 1.7 years) were mostly female (66.1%), university-level (56.3%) athletes based in the US (75%). Comparison of different education methods was limited since the majority of interventions (n = 28/36, 77.8%) used face-to-face education. Most intervention conditions (n = 19) had a total contact time of < 300 min (5 h). The majority of interventions (n = 30, 85.7%) reported significant knowledge improvement, with a mean increase of 16.1 ± 0.7% (mean effect size 1.72; range 0.4-17.1). Only 15.6% of studies used well-validated knowledge assessment tools (more than three types of validity or reliability testing). CONCLUSIONS Most interventions reported a significant improvement in nutrition knowledge. Unfortunately, the wide range of knowledge assessment tools with limited validation, and the predominant use of face-to-face interventions, prohibits identification of the most effective modality and dose for nutrition education in athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Tam
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia.
| | - Kathryn L Beck
- School of Sport Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melinda M Manore
- School of Biological and Population Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Janelle Gifford
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Victoria M Flood
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen O'Connor
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia.,The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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Kozak AT, Pickett SM, Jarrett NL, Markarian SA, Lahar KI, Goldstick JE. Project STARLIT: protocol of a longitudinal study of habitual sleep trajectories, weight gain, and obesity risk behaviors in college students. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1720. [PMID: 31870336 PMCID: PMC6929294 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7697-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity in the United States is a serious and preventable health concern. Previous research suggests that habitual short sleep may influence obesity-risk behaviors, such as increased caloric intake, decreased physical activity and increased engagement in sedentary activities (e.g., media consumption, computer usage). Given that existing longitudinal research studies have methodological concerns preventing conclusive interpretations, Project STARLIT was designed to address these limitations and identify future intervention targets. METHODS A sample of young adults (n = 300) will be recruited during the summer prior to entering college. Participants will be screened for eligibility requirements prior to the inclusion in the Time 1 assessment though phone and in-person interviews. Once enrolled, participants will complete four assessments over a two year period (i.e., approximately 8, 16 and 24 months after Time 1). Each assessment will consist of one week of data collection including both objective (i.e., habitual sleep, physical activity, body fat composition) and subjective (i.e., sleep diary, 24-h food recall, technology use, and sleep-related beliefs/behaviors) measures. DISCUSSION Project STARLIT is designed to address methodological concerns of previous research. In addition to clarifying the relationship between habitual short sleep and weight gain among young adults, the proposed study will identify problematic obesity risk behaviors associated with habitual short sleep (e.g., increased caloric intake, physical/sedentary activity). The results will identify prevention or intervention targets related to obesity risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04100967, 9/23/19, Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea T Kozak
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA.
| | - Scott M Pickett
- Center for Translational Behavioral Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Nicole L Jarrett
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | | | - Kari I Lahar
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Jason E Goldstick
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Injury Prevention Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Brace AM, De Andrade FC, Finkelstein B. Assessing the effectiveness of nutrition interventions implemented among US college students to promote healthy behaviors: A systematic review. Nutr Health 2018; 24:171-181. [PMID: 30014743 DOI: 10.1177/0260106018785528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nutrition interventions are used to increase knowledge, change attitudes and beliefs about healthy eating, to increase skills, and promote healthy eating. AIMS: To review the effectiveness of published nutrition interventions implemented among college students to promote healthy behaviors. METHODS: The authors explored multiple electronic databases, such as ERIC, Science Direct, and EBSCOhost. Search criteria included nutritional interventions implemented among students attending US colleges, written in English, and published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2015. The authors conducted a systematic search of 1413 articles, and an in-depth review of 30 articles. The authors evaluated the following: (a) participants; (b) research design; (c) assessment instruments; (d) outcome measures; (e) results; and (f) methodological issues. RESULTS: Short-term interventions showed promise in promoting positive dietary changes, which can serve as a protective factor for developing overweight and obesity. Methodological issues related to lack of comparison groups and minimal long-term follow-up do not allow researchers to determine if the interventions were the cause of the change, or if these changes are sustained over time. Studies that have a comparison group, use visual displays, or have longer durations, may maximize outcomes, improving long-term effects. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition interventions can effectively change dietary habits among college students. This can lead to healthy weight management and reduce the risk for overweight and obesity. Future research should consider the highlighted methodological issues to improve the quality of nutrition interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bobbi Finkelstein
- 3 Department of Occupational Science and Studies, Towson University, USA
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Matingwina T, Raju J. An Integrated Framework for Disseminating Health Information to Students in Zimbabwe. LIBRI 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/libri-2016-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractUniversity students in Zimbabwe lack immediate access to accurate health information. There is lack of explicit and integrated structures for disseminating health information to students in Zimbabwe. Informed by the salutogenic theory of health, the study assessed the health information needs of students and evaluated existing health information dissemination methods at National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe, in developing a framework for disseminating health information. A case study strategy was used to gather data within the pragmatic paradigm of grounded constructivism. The findings reveal that students need health information on a wide range of health topics and prefer mobile electronic media, workshops, qualified health professionals and peers for their health needs. There are significant gaps between the strategies that are being used by NUST to disseminate health information and the health information needs of the students. Therefore, this paper proposes a needs-based, integrated information dissemination framework for promoting health amongst students. The proposed framework emphasizes utilization of synchronous information and communication technologies, the need for integration of activities, a viable policy, health information literacy training and the use of a mix of persuasion techniques as an effective health promotion strategy.
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Pember SE, Knowlden AP. Dietary Change Interventions for Undergraduate Populations: Systematic Review and Recommendations. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH EDUCATION 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2016.1250018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Ruhl H, Holub SC, Dolan EA. The reasoned/reactive model: A new approach to examining eating decisions among female college dieters and nondieters. Eat Behav 2016; 23:33-40. [PMID: 27448513 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Female college students are prone to unhealthy eating patterns that can impact long-term health. This study examined female students' healthy and unhealthy eating behaviors with three decision-making models. Specifically, the theory of reasoned action, prototype/willingness model, and new reasoned/reactive model were compared to determine how reasoned (logical) and reactive (impulsive) factors relate to dietary decisions. Females (N=583, Mage=20.89years) completed measures on reasoned cognitions about foods (attitudes, subjective norms, nutrition knowledge, intentions to eat foods), reactive cognitions about foods (prototypes, affect, willingness to eat foods), dieting, and food consumption. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed the new reasoned/reactive model to be the preeminent model for examining eating behaviors. This model showed that attitudes were related to intentions and willingness to eat healthy and unhealthy foods. Affect was related to willingness to eat healthy and unhealthy foods, whereas nutrition knowledge was related to intentions and willingness to eat healthy foods only. Intentions and willingness were related to healthy and unhealthy food consumption. Dieting status played a moderating role in the model and revealed mean-level differences between dieters and nondieters. This study highlights the importance of specific factors in relation to female students' eating decisions and unveils a comprehensive model for examining health behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Ruhl
- The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., GR 41, Richardson, TX 75080, USA.
| | - Shayla C Holub
- The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., GR 41, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Elaine A Dolan
- The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W. Campbell Rd., GR 41, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
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Wang D, Stewart D, Chang C. A holistic school-based nutrition program fails to improve teachers’ nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in rural China. HEALTH EDUCATION 2016. [DOI: 10.1108/he-05-2015-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of a holistic school-based nutrition programme using the health-promoting school (HPS) approach, on teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in relation to nutrition in rural China.Design/methodology/approach– A cluster-randomised intervention trial design was employed. Two middle schools were randomly selected and assigned to either the intervention school using the HPS framework (HPS School), or to the Control School, in Miyun County, Beijing. From each school 20 teachers were randomly selected to complete the survey. Nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour were measured at pre- and post-intervention surveys with the same instrument. The nutrition intervention last for six months.Findings– The holistic school-based nutrition programme using the HPS framework had no statistical impact on improving teacher’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in relation to nutrition (p> 0.05).Practical implications– Future holistic school-based nutrition programmes targeting adolescents should also design and implement longer and more intensive interventions for teachers focusing on how to equip them with the awareness and ability to disseminate their knowledge, positive attitudes and role model behaviours to students, rather than on how to teach them basic knowledge and skills.Originality/value– Although teachers play a critical role in the HPS framework, there is very limited published research investigating the change in teachers’ nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as a result of a nutrition promotion programme.
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Parks RB, Helwig D, Dettmann J, Taggart T, Woodruff B, Horsfall K, Brooks MA. Developing a Performance Nutrition Curriculum for Collegiate Athletics. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 48:419-424.e1. [PMID: 27062229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for developing a sports nutrition education program in a collegiate athletic department. A review of literature on student-athlete nutrition behaviors is combined with practical suggestions from personnel who wrote a sports nutrition curriculum at a large Midwestern university. There are 2 primary implications for practice. First, maintaining a written curriculum and conducting periodic evaluation are fundamental aspects of sports nutrition education programs. Second, better documentation of program outcomes is needed to establish best practices in collegiate sports nutrition education and demonstrate the value of full-time sports registered dietitians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B Parks
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Division of Sports Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI.
| | - Dennis Helwig
- Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - John Dettmann
- Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Tim Taggart
- Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Bridget Woodruff
- Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Karla Horsfall
- Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
| | - M Alison Brooks
- Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Division of Sports Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
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Brown MV, Flint M, Fuqua J. The effects of a nutrition education intervention on vending machine sales on a university campus. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2014; 62:512-6. [PMID: 24873741 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2014.920337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of a nutrition information intervention on the vending machine purchases on a college campus. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Five high-use vending machines were selected for the intervention, which was conducted in the fall of 2011. Baseline sales data were collected in the 5 machines prior to the intervention. At the time of the intervention, color-coded stickers were placed near each item selection to identify less healthy (red), moderately healthy (yellow), and more healthy (green) snack items. Sales data were collected during the 2-week intervention. RESULTS Purchases of red- and yellow-stickered foods were reduced in most of the machines; moreover, sales of the green-stickered items increased in all of the machines. CONCLUSIONS The increased purchases of healthier snack options demonstrate encouraging patterns that support more nutritious and healthy alternatives in vending machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V Brown
- a Department of Public and Community Health , Utah Valley University , Orem , Utah
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Dour CA, Horacek TM, Schembre SM, Lohse B, Hoerr S, Kattelmann K, White AA, Shoff S, Phillips B, Greene G. Process evaluation of Project WebHealth: a nondieting Web-based intervention for obesity prevention in college students. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2013; 45:288-295. [PMID: 23410994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the motivational effect of the Project WebHealth study procedures and intervention components on weight-related health behavior changes in male and female college students. DESIGN Process evaluation. SETTING Eight universities in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Project WebHealth participants (n = 653; 29% men). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants rated motivational effects of study procedures and intervention components. Participants were grouped into outcome-based health behavior categories based on achievement of desired targets for fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and/or body weight. ANALYSIS Differences in motivation from each procedure and component were analyzed by gender- and outcome-based health behavior category. RESULTS Women were generally more motivated than men. Compared to those who did not meet any target health behaviors, men with improved health outcomes (68%) were significantly more motivated by the skills to fuel the body lesson, goal setting, and research snippets. Their female counterparts (63%) were significantly more motivated by the lessons on body size and eating enjoyment, and by the suggested weekly activities. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Specific study procedures and components of Project WebHealth motivated study participants to improve their weight-related health behaviors, and they differed by gender. Findings support the need for gender-tailored interventions in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen A Dour
- Department of Public Health, Food Studies and Nutrition, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-3240, USA.
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Goal setting outcomes: Examining the role of goal interaction in influencing the experience and learning outcomes of video game play for earthquake preparedness. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Korn L, Gonen E, Shaked Y, Golan M. Health perceptions, self and body image, physical activity and nutrition among undergraduate students in Israel. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58543. [PMID: 23516503 PMCID: PMC3597731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study examines health perceptions, self and body image, physical exercise and nutrition among undergraduate students. Methods A structured, self-reported questionnaire was administered to more than 1500 students at a large academic institute in Israel. The study population was heterogenic in both gender and fields of academic study. Results High correlations between health perceptions, appropriate nutrition, and positive self and body image were found. The relationships between these variables differed between the subpopulation in the sample and the different genders. Engagement in physical exercise contributed to positive body image and positive health perceptions more than engagement in healthy nutrition. Nutrition students reported higher frequencies of positive health perceptions, positive self and body image and higher engagement in physical exercise in comparison to all other students in the sample. Conclusions This study suggests, as have many before, that successful health promotion policy should reflect a collectivist rather than an individualist ethos by providing health prerequisites through a public policy of health-promotion, where the academic settings support a healthy lifestyle policy, by increasing availability of a healthy, nutritious and varied menu in the cafeterias, and offering students various activities that enhance healthy eating and exercise. Implications and contribution This study examined health perceptions, self-image, physical exercise and nutrition among undergraduate students and found high correlations between these topics. Nutrition students reported higher frequencies of positive health perceptions, and positive self and body image and engaged more in physical exercise when compared with all other students in the sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Korn
- Ariel University Center of Samaria, School of Health Sciences, Department of Health Management, Ariel, Israel.
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McArthur LH, Pawlak R. An Exploratory study of compliance with dietary recommendations among college students majoring in health-related disciplines: application of the transtheoretical model. Nutr Res Pract 2011; 5:578-84. [PMID: 22259684 PMCID: PMC3259302 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2011.5.6.578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 12/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Compliance with food group and nutrient recommendations, and self-efficacy, stage of change, perceived barriers and benefits for healthy eating were assessed among a convenience sample of college students majoring in health-related disciplines. Dietary and psychosocial data were collected using three-day food records and scales, respectively. Means (SD), frequencies, and percents were calculated on all data, and logistic regressions were used to determine whether any of the psychosocial correlates predicted the stage of change for healthy eating. Noncompliance with food group recommendations ranged from 53% for the meat/meat alternates group to 93% for the vegetables/juice group, whereas noncompliance with nutrient recommendations ranged from 26% for cholesterol to 99% for potassium. A majority of students (57%) self-classified in the preaction and 40% in the action stages of change for eating healthy. The students' self-efficacy to eat healthy was highest in positive/social situations and lowest when experiencing emotional upset. The most important perceived barrier to healthy eating was that friends/roommates do not like to eat healthy foods, and the most important perceived benefit was that eating healthy foods provides the body with adequate nutrients. The difficult/inconvenient self-efficacy subscale predicted the stage of change for healthy eating. These students would benefit from interactive learning opportunities that teach how to purchase and prepare more whole grain foods, fruits, and vegetables, enhance their self-efficacy for making healthy food choices when experiencing negative emotions, and overcome perceived barriers to healthy eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H. McArthur
- Department of Dietetics, Fashion Merchandising, and Hospitality, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, USA
| | - Roman Pawlak
- Department of Nutrition Science, East Carolina University, 337 Rivers West Building, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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