Cliff A. Robb

The mitigating influence of time preference on the relation between smoking and BMI scores

Prior studies find a strong negative relation between smoking and body mass index (BMI). Smoking and obesity both imply a preference for utility in the present at the expense of future consumption. This study proxies time preference through a composite index of equally-weighted intertemporal behaviors to isolate the impact of smoking on BMI independent of time discounting. Adding time preference to a multivariate model inflates the magnitude of the smoking effect, consistent with discounted utility theory. Results suggest that the full effect of non-intertemporal aspects of smoking (for example substitution of cigarettes for food) on BMI scores may have been underestimated in previous studies that fail to account for the mitigating influence of time preference.

Consumer Preference Among Fluid Milks: Low-Fat vs. High-Fat Milk Consumption in the United States

The present study uses data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1994-1996, 1998 in order to analyse milk consumption by type, specifically high-fat milk vs. low-fat milk. Whereas trend analysis displays an overall increase in low-fat milk consumption over the last few decades in the United States, a number of individuals still consume high-fat milk varieties, and overall dietary intakes have yet to achieve recommended levels. In light of recent research regarding fat intakes, it is important to understand what factors might cause consumers to purchase high-fat options given the number of low-fat options available in the market. Through the use of Logistic regression, key socio-economic and demographic variables are analysed in order to determine their impacts on the probability of consuming low-fat milk vs. high-fat milk. The results indicate that a number of factors do influence probability of low-fat milk consumption as compared with high-fat milk consumption. Most notably, probability of low-fat milk consumption appears to be positively related to age, education level, and income level. African Americans and other minorities had a lower probability of consuming low-fat milk when compared with White people in the sample population. Also, those respondents designated as low income or living in the South were less likely to consume low-fat milk.

Food Insecurity, Self-rated Health, and Obesity among College Students

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of food insecurity among college students ranges from 14% to 59%. Most of the research to date has examined the determinants of food insecurity. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between food insecurity and self-rated health and obesity among college students living off campus. Methods: An online survey was sent to students 19 years of age or older. Food security status was measured using the Adult Food Security Survey Module. Health status, height, and weight were self-reported. Two logistic regression analyses assessed the associations between food insecurity and the 2 dependent variables, health status and overweight/obesity. Results: A sample of 351 students provided valid responses to the questions used in these analyses. Food insecurity was not associated with obesity. Food insecure students had significantly higher rates of fair/poor health when compared to their food secure counterparts (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1, 4.3). Discussion: Food insecurity is related to self-rated fair/poor health but not overweight/obesity in college students living off campus. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Educators on college campuses should be cognizant of financial conditions that may place students at risk for food insecurity.

Coming to Terms with Financial Literacy

The topic of financial literacy has risen to prominence in recent years. Despite the general recognition of the importance of financial education and literacy among researchers, practitioners and policymakers, little has been done to clearly define the concept. The present chapter highlights some of the general difficulties inherent in studying the area of financial literacy and education, noting the variety of definitions and measures that have been used in previous studies of the topic. Without a universally recognized measure of knowledge or literacy, it is difficult to develop relevant initiatives, assess current education policy, and advance the knowledge base of the field in regards to financial literacy and its significance. The chapter concludes by highlighting some current steps that are being taken to achieve a more unified concept of financial literacy in the United States.

Credit Cards as a Market Instrument: Consumer Understanding and Use

This chapter provides an overview of the credit card market in the United States with an emphasis on consumer understanding and utilization. An overview of the development of the credit card market in the United States is presented along with a discussion of credit cards as financial instruments. This is followed by a review of (1) spending behavior and (2) evidence regarding the impact of financial knowledge in credit card use behavior. Finally, recent legislative changes are considered.

Homeownership Plans Among Hispanic Renters: Ethnic or Geographic Differences?

Abstract From 2000–2005, growth in Hispanic homeownership in the United States outpaced other racial and ethnic groups. This corresponds with data from the Survey of Consumer Finances indicating that Hispanic renters experienced a dramatic upsurge in saving for homeownership—relative to renters of other racial and ethnic backgrounds—during the 1998,2001, and 2004 surveys. This relatively higher propensity to save for homeownership largely disappeared in the 2007 survey. Correspondingly, in the second half of the decade Hispanic homeownership fellfaster than did non-Hispanic homeownership. The “bubble” in Hispanic renter homeownership plans corresponded with relative housing price appreciation trends in states with large Hispanic populations such as California and Florida. This suggests that the move to saving for homeownership among Hispanic households may have been primarily a regional economic trend, rather than an ethnic one.