Kathe A. Gabel

A Stage-of-Change Classification System Based on Actions and Beliefs Regarding Dietary Fat and Fiber

Purpose. The objectives of this study were to develop a stage-of-change classification system and to determine the degree to which various adult subgroups have adopted the behavioral changes necessary to achieve a low-fat and/or high-fiber diet as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Design. The study used a mail survey randomly sent to 7110 adults. Setting. The survey was conducted in 11 states and the District of Columbia. Subjects. The random sample included males and females over age 18. Of the eligible respondents, 3198 (51.5%) were included in this analysis, with 2004 and 2066 unambiguously classified into stages of change for fat and fiber, respectively. Measures. Stage of change was defined by an algorithm based on self-reported intent and behaviors to limit fat and/or increase fiber. Results. 45% of the respondents were classified as being in action/maintenance for fat and 38% for fiber. Women, older adults, individuals with advanced education, persons with diet-related chronic disease, people with higher levels of relevant nutrition knowledge and attitudes, and persons who indicated that health concerns were a primary influence on their diet were more likely to be in action/maintenance than other respondents. Conclusions. The algorithm in this study presents a model that more closely reflects the proportions of the adult population that have achieved low-fat diets and classifies a greater proportion in the preparation stage than classification systems in previous studies.

Calcium intake of Asian, Hispanic and white youth.

Objective: To examine calcium intake and food sources among Asian, white and Hispanic youth, in order to develop and target interventions to improve calcium intake. Methods: Cross-sectional survey with two 24-hour dietary recalls one week apart. Calcium intake was evaluated in 167 male and female adolescents of Asian, Hispanic and white ethnicity, ages 10–18 years, from six states. Main outcome measures were mean daily calcium intake (mg/day). Statistical analyses performed: t tests, Chi-square and analysis of variance for differences by age, ethnicity and gender, multiple regression of factors influencing calcium intake. Results: Overall median calcium intake was 938 mg/day with 868 mg/day for Asians, 1180 mg/day for whites and 896 mg/day for Hispanics. Daily milk intake was the primary predictor of calcium intake with Asian ethnicity and female gender each showing a negative association to calcium intake in multiple regression models. Conclusions: Milk intake was the primary factor positively influencing calcium intake, while Asian ethnicity and female gender negatively influenced calcium intake. Thus, interventions to improve calcium intake should focus on improving milk intake of Asians and females.

Special nutritional concerns for the female athlete

Inadequate dietary intake is the primary nutritional concern of today’s female athlete. As these athletes fail to consume enough energy to support the physical demands of training, they become at risk for disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis, conditions collectively identified as the female athlete trial. This review addresses nutritional concerns of the female athlete, identification of those at risk, relationship of energy intake to menstrual irregularities, and recently identified chronic diseases associated with the female athlete triad. Strategies are offered to prevent harmful behaviors leading to the comorbidities associated with inadequate dietary intakes.

Reported Adoption of Dietary Fat and Finer Recommendations Among Consumers

OBJECTIVE To identify constraints in adopting dietary fat and fiber recommendations. DESIGN A questionnaire was mailed to a sample of the general population, a convenience sample of persons with heart disease and cancer in 11 states, and registered dietitians in 5 states. The survey included questions on demographic and attitudinal factors that were correlated with specific practices to reduce fat intake and increase fiber intake. SETTING From the general population sample of 6,206 eligible respondents (return rate of 51.5%), those selected were respondents who indicated that they would adopt a dietary recommendation if it were good for them (n = 2,682). Subsamples from the general population were matched to 362 registered dietitians and 147 persons with cancer or heart disease on selected demographic variables. Factors associated with adoption of specific behaviors were identified. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED Statistical analysis included chi 2, factor analysis, and analysis of variance. RESULTS The majority of persons who said they would adopt a fat-reducing behavior if it were good for their health reported practicing that behavior often or usually. More than 60% reported consuming whole grains; however, only 15% reported eating fruits and vegetables frequently. Among the general population sample, those more likely to practice a behavior had the following characteristics: female, college educated, older than 60 years, white, higher income, no children younger than 18 years, perceived health status as excellent, and absence of chronic disease. Registered dietitians and those with chronic disease were also more likely to follow dietary fat and fiber recommendations. APPLICATIONS Nutrition education messages that lead to increased consumption of dietary fiber need to be developed. Nutrition educators should provide strategies for consumers for increasing use of fruits and vegetables in all meals. Good taste and convenience are critical components. The food industry may assist by providing a wider array of convenience entrees or side dishes that feature produce and whole grains.

Age Differences in Milk Consumption as a Snack and by Eating Occasion

This article is based on findings of the W-191 Regional Research Project, Motivators and Barriers to the Consumption of Calcium-rich Foods, which was partially funded by the Agriculture Experiment Stations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The authors wish to acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Carol Boushey, Assistant Professor, Purdue University, in the preparation and editing of this manuscript. Snacking frequency has risen in the past decade. Adolescents may obtain up to one-third of their calories from snacks. Consequently, snacking may have a significant impact on overall, as well as, individual nutrient intake. Calcium intake is a concern for adolescents because of its potential to affect long term bone health. As part of a larger study, researchers in 10 states gathered focus group data on motivators and barriers to calcium-rich snack choices in preadolescents (11–12 years old) and adolescents (16–17 years old). Age was found to influence calcium-rich snack choices. Milk was a less common snack choice for older adolescents. For both age groups, soda/soft drink consumption often replaced milk as a beverage and consequently was a barrier to calcium nutriture. Eating away from home was associated with a lower intake of both milk and other calcium-rich foods.

Fat and fiber knowledge and behaviors related to body mass index

Abstract Numerous dietary recommendations aim to decrease fat and increase fiber in the American diet, yet obesity remains a major public health problem in the United States as indicated by excessive weight for height ratios. The purpose of the Western Regional Project 182 was to examine knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the general population in 11 states and the District of Columbia regarding dietary fat and fiber. This paper specifically discusses the survey results related to the relationships of fat and fiber knowledge and food behavior to body mass index (BMI). Using self-reported weight and height, it was estimated that more than one third of the respondents (n = 1297, 42%) had a BMI ≥ 26. Subjects with BMI scores less than 26 generally had the highest knowledge scores of all BMI groups, but no significant differences in fat knowledge were found among the BMI classifications. Behavior that was related to fat intake was significantly (p 250,000 people were most likely to have a lower BMI than females with other educational levels, lower economic categories, and from less populated areas. Results support continued use of government and private funds to educate Americans to improve diet and achieve acceptable weights for heights.