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Objective: The aim of the present study was to pilot-test a school-based intervention designed to increase consumption of whole grains by 4th and 5th grade children.Design: This multi-component school-based pilot intervention utilised a quasi-experimental study design (intervention and comparison schools) that consisted of a five-lesson classroom curriculum based on Social Cognitive Theory, school cafeteria menu modifications to increase the availability of whole-grain foods and family-oriented activities. Meal observations of children estimated intake of whole grains at lunch. Children and parents completed questionnaires to assess changes in knowledge, availability, self-efficacy, usual food choice and role modelling.Setting/sample: Parent/child pairs from two schools in the Minneapolis metropolitan area; 67 in the intervention and 83 in the comparison school.Results: Whole-grain consumption at the lunch meal increased by 1 serving (P < 0.0001) and refined-grain consumption decreased by 1 serving for children in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention (P < 0.001). Whole-grain foods were more available in the lunches served to children in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention (P < 0.0001). The ability to identify whole-grain foods by children in both schools increased, with a trend towards a greater increase in the intervention school (P = 0.06). Parenting scores for scales for role modelling (P < 0.001) and enabling behaviours (P < 0.05) were significantly greater for parents in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention.Conclusions: The multi-component school-based programme implemented in the current study successfully increased the intake of whole-grain foods by children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the relationship between child-feeding strategies and the stage of change for fruit and vegetable consumption of low-income African American women.Design: Mothers were asked to think aloud as they shopped for groceries and prepared a meal for their family. Verbalisations were audio-taped and transcribed. Transcripts were coded. Coded segments were sorted according to stage of change of the women who made the verbalisation. Themes were identified and analysed for differences across the stages of change. Child-feeding strategies and factors influencing provision of fruits and vegetables to children were identified through content analysis procedures.Setting/subjects: Seventy women, aged 18 to 45 years, were classified by stage of change (10 to 18 per stage) based on self-reported intakes of fruits and vegetables and intention to increase intake. Women on average had two to three children less than 12 years of age and tended to be single heads of households, with about half having some college or technical training.Results: According to the women's comments, food preferences of children were important considerations for women in all stages regarding their food choice behaviours. Women in the later stages reported using more positive child-feeding strategies to promote the intake of fruit and vegetables, including positive role-modelling and methods related to food purchasing, preparation and meal planning.Conclusions: Promoting mothers' movement to more advanced stages of change for fruit and vegetable intake may result in the use of more positive child-feeding strategies and therefore contribute to increased fruit and vegetable intake by children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how spirituality affects intrapersonal characteristics associated with a weight loss program. DESIGN: A series of 5 focus group interviews was conducted with women who were past participants of the Weigh Down Workshop, a spiritually based weight loss program. SETTING: Three churches in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, metropolitan area. PARTICIPANTS: Focus group participants (N = 32) were white, fairly well educated, with moderate income levels. Their mean age was 50 years. PHENOMENA OF INTEREST: Behavior changes, factors affecting self-efficacy for performing the behaviors, and locus of control. ANALYSIS: Sessions were audiotaped and transcribed. Transcribed text was coded and analyzed using qualitative data analysis procedures. RESULTS: Major changes in self-reported eating behaviors included eating only when experiencing true physiological hunger and stopping when sensing a feeling of fullness. Self-efficacy for these behaviors was reported to be enhanced by observing weight loss for themselves or others. Support from other group members, the simplicity of the program, and spiritual benefits through prayer and scripture reading were also reported to enhance confidence. Women indicated that they relied on an internal locus of control based on a sense of self-discipline. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Traditional means to enhance self-efficacy were important for all women; however, for some women, spirituality was also an important aspect of adhering to program principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explain intention to consume dairy products and consumption of dairy products by older adults using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The factors examined were attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered. SETTING: Community centers with congregate dining programs, group classes, and recreational events for older adults. SUBJECTS: One hundred and sixty-two older adults (mean age 75 years) completed the questionnaire. Subjects were mostly women (76%) and white (65%), with about half having less than a high school education or completing high school. VARIABLES MEASURED: Variables based on the TPB were assessed through questionnaire items that were constructed to form scales measuring attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to consume dairy products. Dairy product consumption was measured using a food frequency questionnaire. ANALYSIS: Regression analyses were used to determine the association between the scales for the 3 variables proposed in the TPB and intention to consume and consumption of dairy products; the alpha level was set at.05 to determine the statistical significance of results. RESULTS: Attitudes toward eating dairy products and perceived behavioral control contributed to the model for predicting intention, whereas subjective norms did not. Attitudes toward eating dairy products were slightly more important than perceived behavioral control in predicting intention. In turn, intention was strongly related to dairy product consumption, and perceived behavioral control was independently associated with dairy product consumption. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results suggest the utility of the TPB in explaining dairy product consumption for older adults. Nutrition education should focus on improving attitudes and removing barriers to consumption of dairy products for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this report is to describe the development and implementation of the think aloud method in relation to fruit and vegetable purchasing behaviors of low-income African American mothers. Women (n = 70) were audiotaped as they thought aloud while selecting fruits and vegetables during a routine shopping trip. Audiotapes were transcribed, text was coded, and coded text was sorted using a database software program. Data were analyzed using content analysis procedures. The method was found to be useful in its ability to provide verbalization data for the majority of the women in the sample that reflected a typical shopping experience, were not excessively affected by the presence of the investigator, and captured information processing in relation to salient factors that influenced food purchasing decisions. Because a few women indicated that the method itself may have influenced behavior, future research is needed to test the reactivity of the think aloud method and its relationship to final choice of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoflavones in soy may play a role in the prevention of cancer through their capacity to affect antioxidant or protective phase II enzyme activities. This study evaluated the effects of dietary isoflavone levels on the induction of antioxidant and phase II enzyme activities and inhibition of breast carcinogenesis. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (36 d) were fed one of four purified diets with casein, or with soy containing three levels of isoflavonoids (0.03, 0.4 or 0.81 mg/g diet; low, middle and high level of isoflavones, respectively). After 2 wk, enzyme activity was determined of rats (n = 6-7) from each diet group. Liver glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities, blood glutathione levels, kidney glutathione S-transferase and colon quinone reductase (QR) activities were greater in rats consuming the high isoflavone diet compared to rats consuming the casein diet. Kidney QR and liver, kidney, small intestine, and colon UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activities were greater in rats fed the high isoflavone diet compared to rats fed the casein and low-isoflavone diets. Liver and blood oxidized glutathione were lower in rats fed the high-isoflavone diet compared to those fed the low-isoflavone diet. A subset of rats (n = 86) was fed the purified diets for 2 wk and intubated with dimethylbenz[a]anthracene or peanut oil and palpated weekly for tumors. At 13 wk, there was an inverse relationship (R(2) = 0.911, P < 0.09) between tumor incidence and increasing isoflavone intake. These data support the mechanism of soy and soy isoflavones as antioxidant and phase II enzyme inducers, but not as tumor inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Explore the attitudes and behaviors of individuals who donate foods to food shelves and the perceived needs of the clientele using the food shelves in terms of cultural, health, and nutritional concerns. DESIGN: Qualitative methods (focus group interviews). SETTING: Focus groups (5 client and 7 donor) were conducted at food shelves, churches, and community centers. PARTICIPANTS: Client focus group members (n = 31) were mostly middle-aged and elderly individuals of mixed ethnicity and donor focus group members (n = 64) were mostly white and well educated and had incomes > $50 000. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): In-depth focus groups were conducted to obtain information regarding attitudes and beliefs of individuals who donate food and perceptions of needs among food shelf clients. ANALYSIS: Transcripts were analyzed systematically by coding comments according to categories and examining for common themes. RESULTS: Food donations did not match client needs for people with different ethnic backgrounds or age groups and food safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study demonstrates the need for nutrition educators to work with food shelf and food bank directors regarding the education of staff and general population on appropriate food donations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]