Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

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This digital collection includes theses and dissertations from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.

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Now showing 1 - 13 of 13

Open Access
Association of pet ownership with eating, exercise, nutritional status, and heart health of seniors
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1995) Dembicki, Diane Florence, author; Anderson, Jennifer, advisor; Melby, Chris, advisor; Stallones, Lorann, committee member; Auld, Garry, committee member; Barber, Clif, committee member
The familiar adage "pets are good for your health" is an interesting but largely untested theory. Numerous anecdotal remarks on the health benefits of companion animals to the elderly refer to eating and exercise. Research is needed to examine if any health benefits result from pet ownership, and, if so, models must be developed to explain the reasons. An early empirical study found increased survival rate of heart patients due to pets (Freidmann et al., 1980). A theoretical framework is developing based on pet attachment and substitute social support (Stallones et al., 1990). Recent research investigated the effects of pets on risk factors for cardiovascular disease (Anderson et al., 1992). A new model was developed, based on pet ownership leads to better self care, to show possible associations between pet ownership with eating, exercise, nutritional status, and specific cardiovascular risk factors. The major hypotheses tested were pet owners have significantly lower serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than non-owners and these differences are explained by diet and physical activity. The experimental design was a cross-sectional, observational study of a self-selected convenience sample. Seniors aged sixty and above were solicited at senior congregate meals program sites in north-central Colorado (n=127). Instruments used were questionnaires on eating and exercise, emotional and physical health, social support, and pet attachment, biochemical analyses of diet and blood, and anthropometric and physiological measures. Statistical procedures included two-tailed t-tests, Chi-square, multivariate analysis, correlation coefficients and partial coefficients, and analysis of covariance ; a value of p <0. 05 was considered significant. There were few significant differences in diet, nutritional status, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease and no significant differences in number of exercise activities and duration of walking between pet and nonowners. Dog owners walked significantly longer than nonowners. Pet owners had significantly lower triglycerides than non-owners. It could not be concluded that pet ownership is associated with better diet and nutritional status, greater physical activity, and reduced cardiovascular risk compared to non-ownership in seniors.
Open Access
Development and evaluation of a bilingual nutrition education computer program for Latino children
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2001) Serrano, Elena Lidia, author; Jennifer Anderson, advisor; Kendall, Pat, committee member; Fritz, Janet, committee member; Zimmerman, Don, committee member; Auld, Garry, committee member
Interactive computer technology and multi-media have advanced in the past ten years as growing opportunities for nutrition education. Few nutrition education computer programs exist for school-aged children, particularly for Latinos. The overarching purpose of this research was to develop a computer nutrition program for low-income Mexican American children in Colorado. This research project spans all levels of software development -with formative evaluation , product development, and evaluation. Development of the CD-ROM program was driven by several theoretical models and results from the formative evaluation . The formative evaluation included focus groups with children and surveys with classroom teachers and media teachers in order to determine preferences for computer programs, particularly in classroom settings. We also sought to address dietary acculturation in the program. Food frequency questionnaires and acculturation scales were administered to children in largely Hispanic areas of Colorado. Several foods were found to be sensitive to change with increasing acculturation -- such as posole, corn tortillas, fresh corn , mangoes, Mexican cream, and beans - and sensitive to adoption . The final computer program contained a total of six components -- including educational modules, games, songs, and infomercials -- focusing on the Food Guide Pyramid and related topics. Foods included in the program were representative of different levels of acculturation (as determined by the dietary acculturation study) . Online evaluation was used to measure gains in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior intentions, as well as dietary choices. The program was implemented in a total of four schools -- two intervention schools and two matched control schools -- in southern Colorado. The computer nutrition education program proved to be highly effective in improving knowledge about the Food Guide Pyramid. The intervention group's knowledge of the Food Guide Pyramid increased by over 50% and was considered significantly higher than the control group at the p<.01 level. Self-efficacy related to using the Food Guide Pyramid to plan meals and snacks also increased significantly. Our findings demonstrated that games and songs were effective in strengthening knowledge about nutrition and the Food Guide Pyramid, regardless of acculturation level. Online data about dietary patterns confirmed findings from the preliminary dietary acculturation study.
Open Access
Development and evaluation of a nutrition curriculum to prevent obesity in inner-city teens
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1998) Taitano, Rachael Tatiana, author; Jennifer Anderson, advisor; Auld, Garry, committee member; Kreutzer, Jill, committee member; DeVoe, Dale, committee member; Hill, Jim, committee member
Obesity is a major health concern in the United States. Obese adolescents have been found, later in life, to be at increased risk for noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and certain cancers. NHANES III and HHANES data reveal that regardless of ethnicity, an estimated 21% of adolescents (12-17 years of age) in the United States are considered overweight or obese. Obese adolescent girls are at especially high risk for remaining obese in adulthood. Adolescence represents a crucial time for reversing and preventing obesity. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to develop a nutrition education curriculum targeting sedentary, inner-city adolescents living in Denver, Colorado; and 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of this curriculum by assessing changes in knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, stage of change for exercise and fat intake behaviors, dietary behaviors, physical fitness indices, and certain physiological parameters. The goal of this course was to promote metabolic fitness by modifying food intake and increasing exercise frequency. In Denver Colorado, twenty-three treatment subjects were compared to fifty-three control subjects. The treatment subjects received two years of nutrition education, while the control subjects received none. Formative evaluations were used to establish course content, and the curriculum was developed utilizing Prochaska's Stages of Change along with Bandura's Self- Efficacy and Social Learning Theory. Promotion of behavior change and progression to the next stage of change was accomplished through instruction and activities focused on consciousness-raising, promotion of social support, environmental reevaluation, management of emotional arousal, self-monitoring and self-evaluation, goal-setting, and improving self-efficacy for selecting and eating healthier foods. After two years of intervention, only 36% of the developed curriculum had been delivered to treatment subjects due to instructor related problems. However, despite implementation difficulties, some positive results were seen. Treatment subjects reported significant improvements in: knowledge, their intentions to change fat intake and exercise behaviors (stages of change), their fat intake as measured by two food frequency questionnaires, and their waist-to-hip ratios. The lack of more positive results are most likely due to poor curriculum implementation.
Open Access
Development and evaluation of Food friends get movin' with mighty moves™ : a physical activity program to prevent obesity in low-income preschoolers
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2007) Bellows, Laura Leigh, author; Jennifer Anderson, advisor; Auld, Garry, committee member; Kennedy, Catherine, committee member; Davies, Patricia, committee member
The prevalence of overweight among preschool-aged children in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. The preschool years provide an opportunity to establish healthful eating and physical activity behaviors which can lessen the growth of obesity. Unfortunately, preschoolers have been largely ignored when it comes to obesity prevention efforts. The overall objective of this project was to design, develop, and evaluate a physical activity program to compliment the Food Friends ® nutrition program in an effort to prevent overweight in young children. Food Friends Get Movin' with Mighty Moves™ is an 18 week program focusing on gross motor development, physical fitness, and physical activity in the classroom environment. This project utilized the steps of social marketing to develop the Mighty Moves™ program. Further, to enhance the likelihood that behavior change would occur, the Social Learning Theory was embedded within the social marketing framework. The Food Friends Get Movin' with Mighty Moves™ study was a randomized controlled trial of 3- to 5-year old children (n=201) enrolled in 8 Head Start centers in Colorado. On-site measures included height, weight, physical fitness (sit-ups, sit-n-reach, shuttle run, 3-minute run), and gross motor skill (Peabody Developmental Motor Scales) assessments. BMI, BMI z-score and BMI percentiles were calculated. Additionally, physical activity was assessed by pedometers over a 6-day timeframe (4 weekdays and 2 weekend days), and daily step counts were recorded by parents. Characteristics of the study population indicated a high prevalence of overweight, low physical activity levels, and average to below-average motor skills. The intervention did not have an effect on weight status but did improve gross motor skills and fitness levels. Lastly, no difference was found for physical activity by treatment. The success of Mighty Moves™ at increasing gross motor skills and physical fitness in preschoolers, in concert with the Food Friends® program's demonstrated ability to increase children's willingness to try new foods, has contributed to the establishment of healthful behaviors for proper growth and development in the early years. These behaviors serve as foundations to building healthy lifestyles, which may decrease the risk of overweight later in life.
Open Access
Development and impact of a Stage of Change bilingual nutrition education program for Hispanics
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1997) Taylor, Terry, author; Anderson, Jennifer, advisor; Chapman, Phillip, committee member; Auld, Garry, committee member; Kendall, Pat, committee member
A nutrition education program, entitled La Cocina Saludable - The Healthy Kitchen, was designed based on the Stage of Change Model for Behavior Change and implemented in 10 counties in southern Colorado. The objectives were to improve the nutrition related knowledge, skills, and behaviors that lead to healthy lifestyles in a low-income Hispanic and migrant farmworker population. The content of the program included nutrition information designed to help mothers of preschool children provide for their children's nutritional needs. Specifically, the content areas included 1) Make It Healthy - nutrition principles including the Food Guide Pyramid; 2) Make it Fun - making food fun for children using color, texture, size, and shape; 3) Make A Change - modifying recipes and meals to lower fat, lower salt, lower sugar, and increase fiber; 4) Make it Safe - food safety principles; and 5) Make A Plan - budgeting and shopping tips to help stretch food resources. This population presents many obstacles for nutrition educators including limited resources, child care, transportation, time, language, culture, literacy, education, health beliefs, and in some cases, the transient nature of the population. Previous studies suggest that low-income Hispanics often show low intakes of vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and protein. It follows that they show high rates of diabetes, obesity, infections, and enteric diseases. This program attempted to overcome these barriers by incorporating the use of a flexible program format carried out by abuela (Hispanic grandmother) educators using appropriate processes described in the Stages of Change Model for Behavior Change. The Stage of Change Model categorizes changing individuals into five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. It is suggested that within each stage, individuals emphasize specific processes that help to move them to the next stage. The program design and materials were developed by thoughtful incorporation of these processes. The program was evaluated using a knowledge and skills pre-test, post-test, and six month follow-up survey which included selected elements from WIC and EFNEP program evaluations. An instrument for measuring movement through the five stages was also developed. Final results of the program's evaluation suggest that this type of program based on the Stages of Change Model and using abuela educators as peer educators is effective in changing selected nutrition related knowledge, skills, and behaviors leading to healthy lifestyles. Administration of similar programs should be thoughtfully planned and implemented. Additionally, development and use of a Stage of Change assessment tool suggests key considerations when attempting to measure stages relative to nutrition behaviors for this population.
Open Access
Efficacy of the transtheoretical model in improving exercise and dietary habits in enlisted Air Force personnel
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2001) Veverka, Donald Victor, author; Jennifer Anderson, advisor; Auld, Garry, committee member; Coulter, Gary, committee member; Kennedy, Cathy, committee member; Chapman, Philip, committee member
As a means of maintaining a fit and ready force, the United States military establishment has always incorporated fitness and weight standards for its personnel. According to data obtained by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Surgeon General's Office, most personnel pass their fitness tests. However, one particular segment, men between 30 to 44 years of age, have lower scores and appear to have more difficulty passing. Although the USAF has existing nutrition and exercise programs to assist efforts towards greater physical fitness levels and improved dietary habits, these programs may only be suited for individuals that are motivated to improve these behaviors. According to the literature, there are individuals that may need to improve dietary and physical activity behaviors but are not motivated to do so. A more effective approach, according to previous behavior change studies, is to implement a strategy, which uses stage-matched interventions based on the Transtheoretical model (TTM). In short, devise programs that correctly identify an individual's motivation for engaging in a health behavior (stage of readiness to improve) and then match the appropriate intervention for the individual. Using male enlisted Air Force personnel between the ages of 30-44 as the target population, focus groups were used to obtain qualitative information on diet and exercise habits to improve fitness scores. Results revealed that participants needed assistance in obtaining information concerning both diet and exercise in order to successfully define and implement a program which would lead to increased fitness . Further, participants selected various methods by which to receive this information. Specifically, to help increase their physical activity, participants needed further education on cycle ergometry, goal-setting, and ways to avoid injury during exercise. In order for test subjects to develop healthy eating habits, the group was provided information on how to sort out media misinformation, prepare healthy foods quickly, understand food labels and determine safety and efficacy of popular dietary supplements. Handout literature, web sites and seminar/discussion formats were the most effective ways for test subjects to receive information. Using the qualitative focus group data from the aforementioned target population, an intervention program based on the TTM was developed and provided via the worldwide web. Use of interactive technology such as computers and the Internet are strongly advocated by health promotion professionals as an effective means of reaching large numbers of at risk populations with specifically tailored information. There was no evidence that treatment group exposure to the web site program was effective in increasing fitness scores. The data suggest that the physical activity-tailored information content was not effective in encouraging greater exercise intensity which positively impacted fitness levels. However, the dietary-tailored information appears to have encouraged the adoption of more positive nutritional practices, as manifested by the beneficial effects seen in certain secondary outcomes. Stage progression was evident as more treatment subjects than controls advanced to higher stages of positive dietary and exercise behaviors. More treatment group subjects reported improved dietary behaviors than reported increases in exercise behaviors. Treatment subjects did not report any relapse in physical activity as opposed to control subjects who reported a high level of regression towards sedentary physical behaviors.
Open Access
Evaluation of a school-based diabetes education intervention, an extension of Program ENERGY
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2014) Conner, Matthew David, author; Melby, Chris, advisor; Auld, Garry, committee member; Hickey, Matthew S., committee member
Background: The prevalence of both obesity and type 2 diabetes in the United States has increased over the past two decades nd rates remain high. The latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 36% of adults and 17% of children and adolescents in the US are obese (CDC Adult Obesity, CDC Childhood Obesity). Being overweight or obese greatly increases one's risk of developing several chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 8% of adults in the US have diabetes, type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of these cases. Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents is still rare, however clinical reports suggest an increase in the frequency of diagnosis (CDC Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2011). Results from the Diabetes Prevention Program show that the incidence of type 2 diabetes can be reduced through the adoption of a healthier lifestyle among high-risk individuals (DPP, 2002). Objectives: This classroom-based intervention included scientific coverage of energy balance, diabetes, diabetes prevention strategies, and diabetes management. Coverage of diabetes management topics were included in lesson content to further the students' understanding of the disease. Measurable short-term goals of the intervention included increases in: general diabetes knowledge, diabetes management knowledge, and awareness of type 2 diabetes prevention strategies. Methods: A total of 66 sixth grade students at Tavelli Elementary School in Fort Collins, CO completed the intervention. The program consisted of nine classroom-based lessons; students participated in one lesson every two weeks. The lessons were delivered from November of 2005 to May of 2006. Each bi-weekly lesson included a presentation and interactive group activities. Participants completed two diabetes knowledge questionnaires at baseline and post intervention. A diabetes survey developed by Program ENERGY measured general diabetes knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes prevention strategies. The second questionnaire, adapted from a survey developed for the Starr County Diabetes Education Study (Garcia et al, 2001), measured general diabetes and diabetes management knowledge. A comparison group, a total of 19 students, also completed both surveys during the study period. Results: Significant increases (p<0.05) were seen in the post-intervention study group in general diabetes knowledge, diabetes management knowledge, and awareness of diabetes prevention strategies, when compared to the baseline study group and comparison group.
Open Access
Examining the application of the transtheoretical model of change for fruit and vegetable consumption among college students
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2002) de Oliveira, Maria do Carmo Fontes, author; Jennifer Anderson, advisor; Kendall, Patricia, committee member; Auld, Garry, committee member; Morgan, George, committee member
Nutrition education messages about the adequate amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet have the potential to disseminate information the optimum level of fruit and vegetable intake to the population. However, this potential will be effective, only if the audience incorporates these messages. To facilitate the acceptance of nutrition education messages, we need to understand the process of behavior change across different behaviors and cultural/ethnic groups. The main purpose of this study was to examine the applicability of the Transtheoretical Model for fruit and vegetable eating behavior in male North American, Latino and Asian college students at Colorado State University. First, a 40-item scale was developed to measure the processes of change. Second, stages of change for eating five fruits and vegetables a day were assessed. Third, the relationship between stages of change and processes of change constructs for fruit and vegetable consumption was examined. Results showed that the developed scale was reliable and valid for the target population. Most of the participants were classified as in the preparation or contemplation stages of change, and the stage classification was significantly related to the participant's cultural/ethnic background. North American and Latino participants were predominantly in preparation while Asian participants were in precontemplation. In addition, the North American and Latino groups used less processes of change (stimulus control, dramatic relief and environment reevaluation) than the Asian group. The relationship between stages of change and processes of change indicated that generally the processes of change scores for fruit and vegetable intake were lower in early stages of change than in later stages of change. The finding that each cognitive/experiential composite score was higher than behavioral composite scores across stages of change did not agree with most studies in smoking, but agreed with some studies on diet and exercise. Although more research needs to focus on the applicability of the stages of change and processes of change constructs, the present study provides partial evidence of the value of the Transtheoretical Model in fruit and vegetable eating behavior in the nutrition education arena.
Open Access
Exploring personal, business, and community barriers and opportunities for food entrepreneurs
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2017) Colpaart, Ashley M., author; Bunning, Marisa, advisor; Thilmany McFadden, Dawn, advisor; Auld, Garry, committee member; Harmon, Alison, committee member; Miller, Jeffery, committee member; Carolan, Michael, committee member
Specialty food businesses, characterized as local, craft or artisan, produce unique and highly differentiated food items often made in small quantities from high-quality ingredients. Nationally, the increasing market demand for specialty food is simultaneously spurring a growth in food entrepreneurship and food businesses that need access to licensed commercial space. Due to their unique values, a subset of food entrepreneurs may be considered 'social entrepreneurs' who use their business as a catalyst for social, cultural, or environmental change. This dissertation research model and hypotheses were developed as a triangulation of three innovative approaches to various fields of study influencing how the food sector is evolving to address emerging consumer and supply chain dynamics. These include; a) a new management behavioral concept, Perceived Business Effectiveness, b.) previous research on entrepreneur characteristics, and c.) potential experience and opportunities that may influence food entrepreneurs based on the Community Capital Framework. The primary objectives of this research are to determine the unique mission, values or community capital-based attributes of food entrepreneurs and to evaluate how this set of factors may affect a food entrepreneur's interest and key criteria when searching for commercial kitchen space. The primary methods included a national survey of food entrepreneurs (n=140) and a pilot program resulting in 4 case studies from Northern Colorado. Multidisciplinary empirical analysis was applied including gamma correlations to compare and contrast various factors and a 2-step probit regression analysis and the calculation of marginal effects from that model. Survey results found that food entrepreneurs in search of commercial kitchen space had dissatisfaction with finding appropriate space (p=0.04), availability of enough days/time to rent (p=0.00), location (p=0.07), availability of equipment (p=0.02), and parking (p=0.07). Results also found significant gamma correlations for questions related to food safety, social fairness, and resource mobilization indicators like sourcing locally and participating in the sharing economy. Further, respondents looking for commercial space were 9% more likely than those not looking for space to use a theoretical sharing economy technology to help them find and access commercial kitchen space. The three-month pilot program successfully placed four food entrepreneurs searching for production space in four different commercial kitchens in Northern Colorado. The kitchens included a school district, church, commissary kitchen, and functioning pizza parlor. A major contribution of this work is in the identification of key drivers for food entrepreneurs in the emerging access economy, suggesting that "access" to goods and services may becoming more desirable than "ownership" of them.
Open Access
Independent validation of the Core Food Security Module with Asians and Pacific Islanders
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1999) Derrickson, Joda P., author; Jennifer Anderson, advisor; Auld, Garry, committee member; Banning, Jim, committee member; Hall, Bruce, committee member
An independent validation of the national household food security measure-the Core Food Security Module (CFSM) and its categorical algorithm-was conducted with Asians and Pacific Islanders in Hawai’i. Research was conducted in three parts: 1) a qualitative study (n=61). 2) a pilot stability study (n=61), and 3) a study replicating methods used to develop the CFSM (n=1664). Caucasians, Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians, Filipinos and Samoans residing in Hawai’i comprised the ethnic groups of focus. Findings: • Confirmed the face validity of the CFSM with Asians and Pacific Islanders in Hawai’i. • Indicated "balanced meals" was most often perceived as a meal with "meat, starch and a vegetable"; • Indicated the CFSM yields valid and reliable scale measures among Asians and Pacific Islanders in Hawai'i, except possibly with American Samoans (n=23). • Suggest weak credibility, validity and stability of the CFSM categorical algorithm: 27% of 111 households identified as food secure with one or more affirmative reply responded affirmatively to "unable to eat balanced meals"; 50% of 64 households classified as experiencing moderate hunger responded affirmatively to "respondent hungry"; and only 62% were consistently classified in the same category over time. • A ''face valid" algorithm-in which one affirmative response is classified as "at risk of hunger" and those who responded affirmatively to Q10 or to the child hunger question (Q14) were classified as such, regardless of other responses, was a preferred algorithm. Compared to the national algorithm, this algorithm resulted in: a lower percentage classified as food secure (85% vs. 78%); a greater percentage who were classified consistently as food insecure without hunger over time (57% vs. 80%); improved face and concurrent validity. • In general, progressively deteriorating food security status as experienced in Hawai'i resulted in concurrent decreased vegetable intake, and increased reliance on Saimin and resource augmentation behaviors. Prudence must be utilized when extending findings to ethnic groups not studied. Findings warrant further investigation of a shorter household food security measure and reassessment of the CSFM categorical algorithm.
Open Access
It's not healthy if they don't eat it: school lunch plate waste and strategies to increase vegetable consumption
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Smith, Stephanie Laine, author; Cunningham-Sabo, Leslie, advisor; Auld, Garry, committee member; Harris, Mary, committee member; Kelly, Kathleen, committee member
To view the abstract, please see the full text of the document.
Open Access
The effectiveness of an Internet-based nutrition and fitness education program for senior military officers
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2004) Sigrist, Lori D., author; Jennifer Anderson, advisor; DeVoe, Dale, committee member; Kennedy, Cathy, committee member; Auld, Garry, committee member
A six-month Internet-based nutrition and fitness education program, entitled Taking Command of Your Health, to improve diet and fitness behaviors and physiological measures in a group of senior military officers enrolled in the Distance Education course at the U.S. Army War College. The intervention was based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for behavior change and was delivered via the Internet. A needs assessment survey assessed senior military officers' health concerns, educational preferences for nutrition and health topics, eating habits, and motivators and barriers for eating healthfully and exercising regularly. Survey results determined the content of the intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group that did not have access to the website intervention or to the treatment group that had access to the program. The program was designed in a monthly newsletter format which combined nutrition and fitness information. Staging algorithm surveys determined stage of change for diet and exercise for participants each month. Participants were provided with stage-matched education based on the diet algorithm and all participants received identical fitness information regardless of stage for exercise. To evaluate the program, treatment participants completed exit surveys at the end of the intervention. Results of the study indicate that an intervention based on the TTM did not result in statistically significant improvement in behavioral and physiological measures between treatment and control groups. The program was effective in significantly progressing treatment participants through the stages for diet behavior, but not for exercise behavior. Unfortunately, dietary behavior change was not maintained as participants regressed to earlier stages after the intervention. In the exit survey, participants reported that they liked receiving health information over the Internet and they would recommend a similar program to others in the military. Future research on the implementation of a theory-based intervention should focus on an individual's cognitive and behavioral processes that determine one's success and failure with behavior change, factors that determine participation and regular usage of a website program, and the impact of program duration and content on other military populations.
Open Access
Using computer technology to deliver nutrition education to low income populations
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 1997) Gould, Susan Martin, author; Anderson, Jennifer, advisor; Chapman, Phillip, committee member; Auld, Garry, committee member; Kendall, Pat, committee member
Nutrition education has been found to be effective in improving knowledge, attitudes, and behavior, particularly when programs are behavioral oriented and based on theoretical frameworks such as Prochaska's Stages of Change Model, the Social- Cognitive Leaming Theory, and the Communication Theory/Model. Increased nutrition risk has been found to be associated with income level, some minority groups, and education level. A nutrition education program, La Cocina Saludable ("The Healthy Kitchen"), has been developed utilizing abuelas (Hispanic grandmothers) to address some of the nutrition education needs of low-income Hispanic women and children, especially among migrant farm working families. Computer technology provides the opportunity to explore new and creative methods to deliver nutrition education to participants receiving food assistance. If this delivery method is effective, more people can be reached with accurate and consistent messages with less of the recruiting and training challenges found with peer educators. A pictorial version of the Colorado WIC Program Allowable Foods List was created using scanning and desk-top publishing techniques to add pictures and increase the readability of the text. Formative evaluation provided feedback regarding content and design. A final evaluation was completed to determine the preference between the text and pictorial versions. Potential WIC clients preferred the pictorial version (both Spanish and English) by more than 80%. Twelve of 14 grocery store checkers preferred using the pictorial version at their registers. Over 80% of 42 WIC staff surveyed indicated they would use the pictorial version more often with clients and that clients would like them. Building upon these scanning techniques, two units of La Cocina Saludable, "Make It Healthy" and "Make A Change," were adapted to a bilingual interactive multimedia (IMM) program and evaluated. The program was designed to be delivered via touch screen computers to participants of food and other assistance programs. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the knowledge gains and reported behavior changes among participants who completed La Cocina Saludable with a computer and those who completed it with an abuela. Significant knowledge gains (p < 0.05) were observed with both methods of delivery. Those who received "Make It Healthy" with the abuela, however, had significantly more gains (p < 0.05) for that outcome than those who used the computer. No significant differences were seen between the abuela and IMM when comparing within the "Make A Change" unit. A few differences were reported for fat and salt behaviors. IMM provides an opportunity to expose more participants to accurate and consistent nutrition education messages and learning activities. Use of a combination of IMM and nutrition educator methods may be an important consideration to increase contacts and optimize gains.

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