Matching Items (24)
Description
In October, 2009, participants of the Arizona Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) began receiving monthly Cash Value Vouchers (CVV) worth between six and 10 dollars towards the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Data from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) showed CVV redemption rates in the first two years of the program were lower than the national average of 77% redemption. In response, the ADHS WIC Food List was expanded to also include canned and frozen fruits and vegetables. More recent data from ADHS suggest that redemption rates are improving, but variably exist among different WIC sub-populations. The purpose of this project was to identify themes related to the ease or difficulty of WIC CVV use amongst different categories of low-redeeming WIC participants. A total of 8 focus groups were conducted, four at a clinic in each of two Valley cities: Surprise and Mesa. Each of the four focus groups comprised one of four targeted WIC participant categories: pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, and children with participation ranging from 3-9 participants per group. Using the general inductive approach, recordings of the focus groups were transcribed, hand-coded and uploaded into qualitative analysis software resulting in four emergent themes including: interactions and shopping strategies, maximizing WIC value, redemption issues, and effect of rule change. Researchers identified twelve different subthemes related to the emergent theme of interactions and strategies to improve their experience, including economic considerations during redemption. Barriers related to interactions existed that made their purchase difficult, most notably anger from the cashier and other shoppers. However, participants made use of a number of strategies to facilitate WIC purchases or extract more value out of WIC benefits, such as pooling their CVV. Finally, it appears that the fruit and vegetable rule change was well received by those who were aware of the change. These data suggest a number of important avenues for future research, including verifying these themes are important within a larger, representative sample of Arizona WIC participants, and exploring strategies to minimize barriers identified by participants, such as use of electronic benefits transfer-style cards (EBT).
ContributorsBertmann, Farryl M. W (Author) / Wharton, Christopher (Christopher Mack), 1977- (Thesis advisor) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Committee member) / Johnston, Carol (Committee member) / Hampl, Jeffrey (Committee member) / Dixit-Joshi, Sujata (Committee member) / Barroso, Cristina (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
The purpose of this research was to analyze the EPODE Model for the development community-based interventions against childhood obesity and its transferability on a global scale. The Ensemble, Prevenons L'Obesite des Enfant (EPODE: Together Let's Prevent Childhood Obesity) Model was developed in France following the successful results of a community-based intervention there. The Model is illustrated by four pillars that are essential to program implementation and positive results. These pillars are: political support, research & evaluation, social marketing principles and public/private partnerships. Using these four pillars, the model has been transferred to diverse countries around the globe and has shown results in these diverse locations. In order to understand what makes this model so transferrable to so many diverse locations, this researcher traveled to the Netherlands, Belgium and France visiting program locations and interviewing professionals who have been involved in the development of the model, its modification and implementation. These interviews addressed specific modifications to the model that were made for implementation in the Netherlands and Belgium. This paper outlines the key transferrable components of this model and outlines a proposed model to be used in the United States.
ContributorsNielsen, Abigail Fanchon (Author) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Thesis director) / Barroso, Cristina (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution and Social Change (Contributor) / School of Nutrition and Health Promotion (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
Background:
Pediatric obesity is associated with lower quality of life (QOL) and populations with high obesity rates, such as Latinos, are especially vulnerable. We examined the effects of a 12-week diabetes prevention program on changes in weight-specific QOL in Latino youth.
Method:
Fifteen obese Latino adolescents (BMI%=96.3±1.1;age=15.0±1.0) completed a 12-week intervention. Youth completed weight-specific QOL measures at baseline, post intervention, and 1-year follow-up. For comparison purposes, intervention youth were matched for age and gender with lean controls.
Results:
At baseline, obese youth exhibited significantly lower weight-specific QOL compared with lean youth (70.8±5.4 to 91.2±2.2, p<0.005). The intervention did not significantly impact weight (90.6±6.8 to 89.9±7.2kg, p=0.44). However, significant increases in weight-specific QOL were observed (70.8±20.9 to 86.2±16.9, p<0.001). Post-intervention QOL scores were no longer significantly different than lean controls (P=0.692). Data from nine youth who returned for follow-up indicated that increases in weight-specific QOL were maintained over time (90.5±4.5 to 85.8±5.9, p=0.74).
Conclusion:
These results indicate that a community-based diabetes prevention program can result in sustained improvements in weight-specific QOL among obese Latino youth. Lifestyle interventions that focus on social interaction and physical activity, rather than weight-loss per se, may help improve the psychosocial health of obese Latino youth.
Pediatric obesity is associated with lower quality of life (QOL) and populations with high obesity rates, such as Latinos, are especially vulnerable. We examined the effects of a 12-week diabetes prevention program on changes in weight-specific QOL in Latino youth.
Method:
Fifteen obese Latino adolescents (BMI%=96.3±1.1;age=15.0±1.0) completed a 12-week intervention. Youth completed weight-specific QOL measures at baseline, post intervention, and 1-year follow-up. For comparison purposes, intervention youth were matched for age and gender with lean controls.
Results:
At baseline, obese youth exhibited significantly lower weight-specific QOL compared with lean youth (70.8±5.4 to 91.2±2.2, p<0.005). The intervention did not significantly impact weight (90.6±6.8 to 89.9±7.2kg, p=0.44). However, significant increases in weight-specific QOL were observed (70.8±20.9 to 86.2±16.9, p<0.001). Post-intervention QOL scores were no longer significantly different than lean controls (P=0.692). Data from nine youth who returned for follow-up indicated that increases in weight-specific QOL were maintained over time (90.5±4.5 to 85.8±5.9, p=0.74).
Conclusion:
These results indicate that a community-based diabetes prevention program can result in sustained improvements in weight-specific QOL among obese Latino youth. Lifestyle interventions that focus on social interaction and physical activity, rather than weight-loss per se, may help improve the psychosocial health of obese Latino youth.
ContributorsBrito, Elizabeth (Author) / Shaibi, Gabriel (Thesis director) / Barroso, Cristina (Committee member) / Patrick, Donald (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution and Social Change (Contributor)
Created2013-05
Description
Among its many roles in the body, ascorbic acid functions as a cofactor in carnitine and catecholamine synthesis, metabolites involved in fat oxidation and mood regulation, respectively. Given that fat oxidation and mood affect one's feelings of vigor, I hypothesized that those with lower levels of plasma ascorbic acid would be less likely to exercise at high levels than individuals with adequate or high levels of vitamin C. To test this, I conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention. A group of healthy, non-smoking males between the ages of 18 and 40 were put on a vitamin C-restricted diet for two weeks and then randomized to a control group that received placebo capsules for six weeks or an intervention group that received 500 mg of vitamin C daily for six weeks. The men were restricted from eating foods high in vitamin C, instructed to wear a pedometer daily and to record their step counts, and to take a pill daily (either the placebo or vitamin C supplement). Unexpectedly, the subjects receiving the intervention had lower step counts than the control group; the control group, rather than the vitamin C group, significantly (p=0.017) increased their steps at week 8 compared to week 2. However, I also estimated daily Metabolic Equivalent Tasks (METs), and subjects receiving the placebo had lower MET outputs than subjects receiving vitamin C at the end of the trial, in spite of having higher step counts. This means the intensity of their activity was higher, based on METs expenditure. Additionally, depression scores (POMS-D) as measured by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire were significantly higher (p=0.041) among subjects receiving the placebo at the end of the study. These latter results are consistent with my expectations that subjects with higher levels of plasma vitamin C would have improved mood and higher energy output than subjects with low levels of vitamin C.
ContributorsNetland, Heidi (Author) / Johnston, Carol S (Thesis advisor) / Swan, Pamela D (Committee member) / Hampl, Jeffery S (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Objective: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) cash value vouchers (CVV) have been inconsistently redeemed in Arizona. The objective of this study was to explore perceived barriers to use of CVV as well as strategies participants use to overcome them.
Design: Eight focus groups were conducted to explore attitudes and behaviors related to CVV use.
Setting: Focus groups were conducted at 2 WIC clinics in metro-Phoenix, AZ.
Participants: Participants in WIC who were at least 18 years of age and primarily responsible for buying and preparing food for their households.
Phenomenon of interest: Perceived barriers to CVV use and strategies used to maximize their purchasing value.
Analysis: Transcripts were analyzed using a general inductive approach to identify emergent themes.
Results: Among 41 participants, multiple perceived barriers emerged, such as negative interactions in stores or confusion over WIC rules. Among experienced shoppers, WIC strategies also emerged to deal with barriers and maximize CVV value, including strategic choice of times and locations at which to shop and use of price-matching, rewards points, and other ways to increase purchasing power.
Conclusions and implications: Arizona WIC participants perceived barriers that limit easy redemption of CVV. Useful strategies were also identified that could be important to explore further to improve WIC CVV purchasing experiences.
ContributorsBertmann, Farryl M. W (Author) / Barroso, Cristina (Author) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Author) / Hampl, Jeffery S (Author) / Wharton, Christopher M (Author) / Sell, Karen (Author)
Created2014-05-01
Description
Background: Sugars form advanced glycation end products (AGEs) throughnatural metabolism and interactions with proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which accumulate in tissues and have been implicated in the etiology of chronic diseases. Due to the increased consumption of fructose and its high ability to form AGEs, a further understanding of this association is important to clarify the role of sugars in disease. The objective was to explore the association between usual fructose intake and serum levels of AGEs, as measured by carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and methylglyoxal derivative (MG-H1), in healthy adults. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a 15-d controlled feeding study (n=100) with participants consuming their usual diet conducted in the Phoenix metropolitan area. To assess participants’ usual diet, they were asked to complete two 7-d food diaries, which were then used to create custom 15-d menu plans administered during the feeding period. Forty participants were selected based on their 15-d mean total fructose intake for this analysis [top and bottom 20% of the sample distribution (median, IQR); high fructose (HF) n= 20, 72.6 (66.1-90.4) g/day, low fructose (LF) n= 20, 28.8 (22.7-32.2) g/day. Fasting serum collected five weeks after the feeding period were analyzed for CML and MG-H1, two well-established AGEs, using ELISA kits. A database of 549 common foods with known CML amounts was used to calculate exogenous CML intake based on daily food intake data. A general linear model was fitted to investigate the difference in serum CML and MG-H1 between LF and HF groups while adjusting for age, gender, BMI, and exogenous CML intake. Results: Participants in the HF group had significantly higher serum CML and lower MG-H1 levels compared to participants in the LF group (p=0.013 and p=0.002, respectively). This difference remained statistically significant after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: The findings suggest that endogenous CML formation may be an explanation for the significantly higher serum CML levels in the HF compared to the LF group. This is significant in further understanding mechanisms of fructose intake and disease etiology and could have implications for at-risk populations consuming a high fructose diet.
ContributorsWeigand, Bethany (Author) / Tasevska, Natasha (Thesis advisor) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Lee, Chong (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
Metabolomics focuses on the study of metabolic changes occurring in varioussystems and utilizes quantitative and semi-quantitative measurements of multiple metabolites in parallel. Mass spectrometry (MS) is the most ubiquitous platform in this field, as it provides superior sensitivity regarding measurements of complex metabolic profiles in biological systems. When combined with MS, multivariate statistics and advanced machine learning algorithms provide myriad opportunities for bioinformatics insights beyond simple univariate data comparisons. In this dissertation, the application of MS-based metabolomics is introduced with an emphasis on biomarker discovery for human disease detection. To advance disease diagnosis using MS-based metabolomics, numerous statistical techniques have been implemented in this research including principal component analysis, factor analysis, partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), orthogonal PLS-DA, random forest, receiver operating characteristic analysis, as well as functional pathway/enzyme enrichment analyses. These approaches are highly useful for improving classification sensitivity and specificity related to disease-induced biological variation and can help identify useful biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets. It is also shown that MS-based metabolomics can distinguish between clinical and prodromal disease as well as similar diseases with related symptoms, which may assist in clinical staging and differential diagnosis, respectively. Additionally, MS-based metabolomics is shown to be promising for the early and accurate detection of diseases, thereby improving patient outcomes, and advancing clinical care. Herein, the application of MS methods and chemometric statistics to the diagnosis of breast cancer, coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever), and senile dementia (Alzheimer's disease) are presented and discussed. In addition to presenting original research, previous efforts in biomarker discovery will be synthesized and appraised. A Comment will be offered regarding the state of the science, specifically addressing the inefficient model of repetitive biomarker discovery and the need for increased translational efforts necessary to consolidate metabolomics findings and formalize purported metabolic markers as laboratory developed tests. Various factors impeding the translational throughput of metabolomics findings will be carefully considered with respect to study design, statistical analysis, and regulation of biomedical diagnostics. Importantly, this dissertation will offer critical insights to advance metabolomics from a scientific field to a practical one including targeted detection, enhanced quantitation, and direct-to-consumer considerations.
ContributorsJasbi, Paniz (Author) / Johnston, Carol S (Thesis advisor) / Gu, Haiwei (Thesis advisor) / Lake, Douglas F (Committee member) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Tasevska, Natasha (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Urinary sucrose and fructose has been suggested as a predictive biomarker of total sugars intake based on research involving UK adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between total sugars consumption and 24-hour urinary sucrose and fructose (24uSF) in US adult population and to investigate the effect of physical activity on this association. Fifty seven free-living healthy subjects 20 to 68 years old, participated in a 15-day highly controlled feeding study, consuming their habitual diet, provided by the research metabolic kitchen. Dietary sugars were estimated using Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). Subjects collected eight 24-hour urine samples measured for urinary sucrose and fructose. Physical activity was assessed daily using a validated 15-day log that inquired about 38 physical activities across six domains; home activities, transportation, occupation, conditioning, sports and leisure. The mean total sugars intake and added sugars intake of the sample was 112.2 (33.1) g/day and 65.8 (29.0) g/day (9.7%EI), respectively. Significant moderate positive correlation was found between 15-d mean total sugars intake and 8-day mean 24uSF (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Similarly, added sugars were moderately correlated with 24uSF (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), while no correlation was found between naturally-occurring sugars and 24uSF (r = 0.070, p < 0.001). In a linear multiple regression, total and added sugars each explained 30% of variability in 24uSF (Adjusted R2, p value; total sugars: 0.297, 0.001; added sugars: 0.301, p < 0.001). Physical activity had no effect on the association between dietary and urinary sugars in neither the correlation nor the linear regression analysis. 24uSF can be used as a biomarker for total and added sugars consumption in US adults, although its predictability was weaker compared to findings involving UK adults. No evidence was found showing that physical activity levels affect the association between 24uSF and total sugars intake in US adults. More detailed investigation through future feeding studies including subjects with wide range of sugars intake and of different ethnic/racial backgrounds are needed to better understand the characteristics of the biomarker and its uses.
ContributorsMohan, Chitra (Author) / Tasevska, Natasha (Thesis advisor) / Ainsworth, Barbara (Committee member) / Johnston, Carol (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Background: Higher intake of carbohydrates in the evening and later eating times has been associated with higher total energy intake (TEI)1-3 and higher risk of being overweight or obese.1,4 Though existing evidence indicates a link between added sugars intake and increased body mass index (BMI), the effect of daily patterns of added sugars intake on TEI and BMI is unknown. Research on added sugars has relied on self-report dietary assessments with limited days of dietary data, resulting in unreliable estimates. The purpose of this thesis was to describe patterns of added sugars consumption, and to investigate the relationship between dietary sugars, eating patterns, TEI, and BMI using 15-days of dietary data from a feeding study. Methods: 40 participants age 18 to 70 years completed a 15-d highly controlled feeding study which imitated their normal diet, while recording meal times. Meals and snacks were coded based on participant identified, time-of-day, and meal content specific criteria. All consumed foods and beverages were carefully weighed and entered into the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) for analysis. Pearson correlation, independent t-test, one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc tests, and multiple linear regressions were used to investigate the association between patterns of added sugars and energy intake, as well as eating frequency (EF), with TEI and BMI. Results: 15-d median added sugars intake was 9.7% of total calories. The highest contribution to added sugars intake (% of g/d) came from snacks (44%) in women and from afternoon (39%) consumption in men. The highest contribution to TEI came from dinner (30%) and afternoon (34%) consumption in women, and from lunch (31%) or dinner (30%) and afternoon (35%) consumption in men. Total eating occasion (EO) frequency had a negative association with TEI (r = -0.31) and no association with % energy from added sugars. In multivariate regression models, besides sex, % energy from beverages only (Adjusted R2 = 0.41) and % added sugars from dinner (Adjusted R2 = 0.39) were significant predictors of TEI, while none of the variables were associated with BMI. Conclusion: Changing one’s pattern of eating, (EF and % energy from beverages only and % added sugars from dinner), may reduce TEI, potentially reducing BMI.
ContributorsGunnerson, Hannah Marie (Author) / Tasevska, Natasha (Thesis advisor) / Johnston, Carol (Committee member) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Objective: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a federally-funded program that provides supplemental food packages, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to low-income women, infants, and children under 5, who are at the highest nutritional risk. This study explores if household WIC participation is associated with healthier dietary behaviors among age-ineligible children (5-18-years-old) in WIC households. Consumption frequency of fruits, vegetables, 100% juice, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and energy-dense snacks (sweet and salty snacks) among children from WIC and income-qualifying non-WIC households were compared.
Methods: Data were obtained from two cross-sectional panels (2009-10 and 2014) of the New Jersey Child Health Study conducted in four low-income New Jersey cities. Questions from previously validated surveys assessed consumption frequency of fruits, vegetables, SSBs, and sweet and salty snacks. Analyses were confined to 570 children between 5-18 yrs; of which 365 (5-11 yrs: 237, 12-18 yrs: 128) resided in WIC participating households and 205 (5-11 yrs: 138, 12-18 yrs: 67) in income-qualifying non-WIC households. Over half of the sample was African American and 43% were Hispanic. Multivariable analyses were conducted to compute incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using negative binomial regression to compare the differences in eating behaviors of children in WIC vs. Non-WIC households
Results: Household WIC participation was associated with a slightly higher frequency of vegetable consumption among 12-18-year-old children (IRR= 1.25, p=.05); differences were significant among older males (12-18-years-old) (p=.006), and not in females.
Frequency of 100% juice consumption was significantly higher among younger females (5-11-years-old) in WIC households who consumed juice about 44% more frequently (p=.02) compared to similar age girls in non-WIC households. Hispanic children in WIC households reported a lower frequency of SSBs consumption (p=.01); this association was only true among males (p=.02).
Conclusions: Household WIC participation is associated with healthier dietary behaviors among age-ineligible children living in the households, suggesting a positive spillover effect of the program. Proposed changes to WIC packages are likely to have dietary implications not only for WIC participants but also for non-participating children residing in WIC households,
Methods: Data were obtained from two cross-sectional panels (2009-10 and 2014) of the New Jersey Child Health Study conducted in four low-income New Jersey cities. Questions from previously validated surveys assessed consumption frequency of fruits, vegetables, SSBs, and sweet and salty snacks. Analyses were confined to 570 children between 5-18 yrs; of which 365 (5-11 yrs: 237, 12-18 yrs: 128) resided in WIC participating households and 205 (5-11 yrs: 138, 12-18 yrs: 67) in income-qualifying non-WIC households. Over half of the sample was African American and 43% were Hispanic. Multivariable analyses were conducted to compute incidence rate ratios (IRRs) using negative binomial regression to compare the differences in eating behaviors of children in WIC vs. Non-WIC households
Results: Household WIC participation was associated with a slightly higher frequency of vegetable consumption among 12-18-year-old children (IRR= 1.25, p=.05); differences were significant among older males (12-18-years-old) (p=.006), and not in females.
Frequency of 100% juice consumption was significantly higher among younger females (5-11-years-old) in WIC households who consumed juice about 44% more frequently (p=.02) compared to similar age girls in non-WIC households. Hispanic children in WIC households reported a lower frequency of SSBs consumption (p=.01); this association was only true among males (p=.02).
Conclusions: Household WIC participation is associated with healthier dietary behaviors among age-ineligible children living in the households, suggesting a positive spillover effect of the program. Proposed changes to WIC packages are likely to have dietary implications not only for WIC participants but also for non-participating children residing in WIC households,
ContributorsSteeves, Stephanie N (Author) / Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam (Thesis advisor) / Tasevska, Natasha (Committee member) / DeWeese, Robin (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019