A Self-Instructional, Multi-Media Approach to Facilitate the Teaching of the Index of Nutritional Quality

A review of the literature dealing with nutrition education established the following: (a) that there is a need for nutrition education at the elementary school level; (b) that elementary teachers do not always have the background or motivation to meet this need for nutrition education; and (c) that new educational methods that are easier to understand and more highly motivating are needed. The Index of Nutritional Quantity (INQ), a nutrient density concept, was developed at Utah State University to answer the need for easily understood and motivating nutrition information. The INQ method of nutrition education has been used and considered successful in actual classroom situations. Up to this time, the INQ method of teaching was introduced to interested individuals and groups by the various members of the INQ research group--a method that is expensive in time and travel expense and lacks consistency. A less expensive, more standardized means of disseminating information about the Index of Nutritional Quality was needed After consideration of the various types of media available, it was decided that a self-instructional, multi-media unit, including a slide-tape and an accompanying workbook, would be a satisfactory teaching module. The module was developed and tested as a part of this study, using both an attitude survey and a didactic pre-and posttest as evaluation instruments. The test statistics were significant to conclude that learning had taken place as a result of exposure to the unit; and that the module was successful as a teaching devise

Body Image Among Older, Rural, African-American Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes and obesity co-occur in high prevalence among African-American women. The positive value placed on large body size has both historic and contemporary biosocial relevance. The maintenance of weight at medically recommended levels is a cornerstone of both prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes. This study of overweight, elderly, rural African-American women with Type 2 diabetes found they generally preferred smaller body sizes compared to previous studies. Normal to slim body images as presented in a photographic array were selected as being more attractive, less likely to have diabetes and hypertension, healthier and to be more medically compliant than obese, grossly obese or very thin images. Body image is a psychosocial variable that should be included in weight control initiatives

Addressing Childhood Overweight through Schools

Rates of childhood obesity in have reached alarming proportions in many countries. Sixteen percent of school-aged children and adolescents in the US are overweight. Legislation implemented in 2004 in the US requires local education agencies (LEAs) that sponsor school meal programs to establish local wellness policies to address childhood obesity. Project PA, a collaboration between a state agency and a university providing school-based interventions focuses on the school environment and policy changes. Interventions have targeted foodservice personnel, administrators, teachers, parents and students. In two recent projects schools assessed their school nutrition environments, developed nutrition policies, and implemented strategies to encourage healthier food selections. Schools identified weaknesses in the areas of marketing and communication of policies. Media attention on the childhood obesity facilitated policy changes. Time and cost were identified as barriers to policy development and there were concerns about weak enforcement of policies. These themes are discussed

Food safety knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors among middle school students

Objective To assess the level of food safety knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported food-handling behaviors among middle school students. Design Baseline questionnaire administered in class that assessed background characteristics, knowledge, behaviors, and perceptions related to food safety. Participants 178 seventh and eighth grade students from 4 schools in central Pennsylvania. Main Outcome Measures Food safety knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported food-handling behaviors. Analysis Independent samples t test tested differences between genders and bivariate correlation analysis explored associations among knowledge, perceptions, and behavior (P < .05). Results Food safety knowledge score was 7.2 ± 1.6 of a maximum of 10 points. Perceived self-efficacy and severity of a foodborne illness were high, but perceived susceptibility was low. Girls scored higher on the self-efficacy and severity scale (P < .01). Self-efficacy correlated positively with knowledge and behavior (P < .0001) and severity with knowledge (P < .01). One fifth reported taking risks in food handling and one fifth reported having been sick because of something they ate. Conclusions and Implications There is a disconnection between middle school students' food safety knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors. A need for relevant and motivating food safety education exists in this group