Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) often use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, specific CAM therapies used within this population have not been thoroughly described, particularly the use of supplements, herbal... more
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) often use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, specific CAM therapies used within this population have not been thoroughly described, particularly the use of supplements, herbal remedies, and dietary modifications. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the prevalence of specific types of CAM used by adults with MS in the United States. Participants included adults who were diagnosed with MS at least 1 year prior to study enrollment. CAM use was measured using the CAM Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey, and nutrient intake was assessed using an Automated Self-Administered 24-h Recall. This study found that a majority (77 %, n = 27) of the sample used CAM within the past 12 months, the most prevalent type being vitamins/minerals (88.9 %, n = 24), nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products (NP) (44.4 %, n = 12), relaxation techniques (33.3 %, n = 9), and special diets (29.6 %, n = 8). Regarding diet, median...
Research Interests: Multiple sclerosis, Diet, Community Health, Adolescent, Medicine, and 14 moreHumans, Complementary Therapies, United States, Female, Male, Young Adult, Aged, Middle Aged, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Pilot Projects, Energy Intake, Socioeconomic Factors, and Severity of Illness Index
Objective: This study sought to determine which combination of variables were significant predictors of desire to use weight management resources. Design: A retrospective exploratory study was conducted using results from a 2009 needs... more
Objective: This study sought to determine which combination of variables were significant predictors of desire to use weight management resources. Design: A retrospective exploratory study was conducted using results from a 2009 needs assessment study. Subjects: Faculty and staff responses (n 432) were used. Statistical Analyses: Binary logistic regression determined significant predictors for interest in using individual diet counseling and either an internetor campus-basedweight loss program. -2 log likelihood tests were used to assess significant differences between models with demographic, interest, and behavioral factors against restricted models with only demographic and behavioral factors.
Research Interests:
Childhood hunger is well documented and may even be substantially underestimated. Food pantries in school are a relatively new venture and have not been well evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate school food pantries put in... more
Childhood hunger is well documented and may even be substantially underestimated. Food pantries in school are a relatively new venture and have not been well evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate school food pantries put in place by a food bank and operated by school personnel. Methods used were in-person interviews and self-administered surveys. Outcomes showed less than optimal usage of the program and challenges were identified. Recommendations include better marketing of the program, better communication between the food bank and the school food pantry coordinators, and additional training and education for the sites.
Research Interests:
Traditional nutrition education has not been shown to consistently produce behavior change. While it has been suggested that using emotion-based messages may be a better way to influence nutrition behavior change, this has not been well... more
Traditional nutrition education has not been shown to consistently produce behavior change. While it has been suggested that using emotion-based messages may be a better way to influence nutrition behavior change, this has not been well tested. Producing emotion-based messages is a multi-step process that begins with exploring subconscious barriers to behavior change rather than the more obvious and typically reported barriers. The purpose of this research was to uncover the emotional reasons, sometimes referred to as emotional pulse points, for mothers' choosing or not choosing to have more family meals. This would then serve as the first step to developing emotion-based messages promoting the benefits of family meals. Five focus group interviews were conducted with 51 low-income Black (n=28) and white (n=23) mothers. Metaphorical techniques were used to determine underlying feelings toward family and family meals. Discussions were video-taped, transcribed, and manually analyze...
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Depression, Aging, Diet, Linear models, Humans, and 15 moreBaltimore, Physical Health, Female, Male, African Americans, Association, Middle Aged, Longitudinal Studies, Adult, European Continental Ancestry Group, Life Span, Diet Quality, Logistic Models, Healthy Eating Index, and Medical and Health Sciences
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Program Evaluation, Health Promotion, Psychometrics, Focus Groups, Health Education, and 15 moreQuality of life, Life Style, Diet, Community Health, Humans, Female, Male, Focus Group, Delaware, Data Collection, Physical Fitness, Aged, Cross Section, Evaluation Methodology, and Health services for the aged
Research Interests: Higher Education, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Health Care, Medication Adherence, Asthma, and 15 moreNative American, Acculturation, Medicine, Healthcare, Dominican Republic, Humans, Child, African American, Diabetes mellitus, Complementary Therapies, Clinical Sciences, European Continental Ancestry Group, Chi Square Distribution, Albuterol, and Medical and Health Sciences
Research Interests: Pharmacy, Immunology, Higher Education, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Family Medicine, and 11 moreMedical Education, Asthma, Medicine, Herbal Medicine, United States, Pharmacy Education, Professional Education, Alternative Medicine, Curriculum and Pedagogy, Elsevier, and Medical and Health Sciences
Objective: To determine the validity of an existing National Cancer Institute 7-item fruit and vegetable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with college students and to assess fruit and vegetable consumption, knowledge, and attitudes in... more
Objective: To determine the validity of an existing National Cancer Institute 7-item fruit and vegetable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with college students and to assess fruit and vegetable consumption, knowledge, and attitudes in this population. Methods: A survey ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Diet, Preventive medicine, Medicine, Humans, Hypertension, and 12 moreBaltimore, Female, Male, African Americans, Middle Aged, Longitudinal Studies, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Curriculum and Pedagogy, Age Factors, European Continental Ancestry Group, and Recommended dietary allowances
Since 1961, Special Olympics has provided sports training and athletic competition for people with mental retardation. A recent addition to these Olympics has been the Healthy Athletes Program, designed to help the athletes improve their... more
Since 1961, Special Olympics has provided sports training and athletic competition for people with mental retardation. A recent addition to these Olympics has been the Healthy Athletes Program, designed to help the athletes improve their health and fitness, leading to enhanced sports experiences and well being. Original health services included dental and eye screening. In 2002, Special Olympics Delaware piloted a Wellness Park to add nutrition, blood pressure, and flexibility screening. Faculty from a university's health college trained discipline-specific students to conduct the screenings. Thirty nutrition and dietetics students measured height, weight, waist circumference, and calculated body mass index (BMI) for the athletes. Figures and risk-assessments were recorded on a "health report card." Two hundred ten athletes attended the nutrition screening. Ages ranged from 8 to 63 years; 81 percent males and 19 percent females. According to BMI standards, 32 percent o...
Research Interests:
To examine effects of race and predictors of socioeconomic status (SES) on nutrient-based diet quality and their contribution to health disparities in an urban population of low SES. Data were analyzed from a sample of the Healthy Aging... more
To examine effects of race and predictors of socioeconomic status (SES) on nutrient-based diet quality and their contribution to health disparities in an urban population of low SES. Data were analyzed from a sample of the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity Across the Life Span (HANDLS) Study participants examining effects of age, sex, race, income, poverty income ratio, education, employment, and smoking status on nutrient-based diet quality as measured by a micronutrient composite index of nutrient adequacy ratios and a mean adequacy ratio. Regression models were used to examine associations and t tests were used to look at racial differences. African American and white adults ages 30 to 64 years residing in 12 predefined census tracts in Baltimore, Maryland. Sex, age, education, poverty income ratio, and income were statistically significant predictors of diet quality for African Americans, while sex, education, and smoking status were statistically significant for white...
Research Interests:
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) often use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, specific CAM therapies used within this population have not been thoroughly described, particularly the use of supplements, herbal... more
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) often use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). However, specific CAM therapies used within this population have not been thoroughly described, particularly the use of supplements, herbal remedies, and dietary modifications. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the prevalence of specific types of CAM used by adults with MS in the United States. Participants included adults who were diagnosed with MS at least 1 year prior to study enrollment. CAM use was measured using the CAM Supplement of the National Health Interview Survey, and nutrient intake was assessed using an Automated Self-Administered 24-h Recall. This study found that a majority (77 %, n = 27) of the sample used CAM within the past 12 months, the most prevalent type being vitamins/minerals (88.9 %, n = 24), nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products (NP) (44.4 %, n = 12), relaxation techniques (33.3 %, n = 9), and special diets (29.6 %, n = 8). Regarding diet, median...
ABSTRACT Most Americans do not consume recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fruit and vegetable prescription program offered to low-income families by local pediatricians and the Food... more
ABSTRACT Most Americans do not consume recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fruit and vegetable prescription program offered to low-income families by local pediatricians and the Food Bank of Delaware. Upon getting a prescription from the doctor, participants were eligible to pick up fresh produce once per month from a mobile pantry truck at doctors’ offices. Staff provided nutrition education and cooking demonstrations. Based on pre/post-program surveys, vegetable consumption increased in adults and fruit consumption increased in children and adults. Prescription programs have the potential to positively influence low-income families’ overall nutrition intake.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Knowledge of various aspects of dietary diversity (DD)—an essential healthful dietary component—across adulthood is limited. This study examined three DD aspects over time in racially diverse adults. Participants were from the National... more
Knowledge of various aspects of dietary diversity (DD)—an essential healthful dietary component—across adulthood is limited. This study examined three DD aspects over time in racially diverse adults. Participants were from the National Institute on Aging, Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study. DD measures were calculated at baseline (N = 2177), and first and second examination follow-ups (N = 2140 and N = 2066, respectively) using two 24-h recalls. The count was based on the consumption of ≥50% of an equivalent from 21 food groups. Evenness was derived using the Berry-Index adjusted by the food’s health value; dissimilarity, by Mahalanobis Distance. Mixed-effects linear regression models were conducted to test changes in DD across adulthood, adjusting for sex, race, poverty status and education as fixed effects, and adjusting for smoking, age and energy as time-dependent variables. Only dissimilarity showed significant interactions of time × race (p ...
Research Interests:
Sandwiches are considered a staple in diets of United States adults. Previous research with Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study participants revealed that 16% consume a sandwich dietary pattern providing... more
Sandwiches are considered a staple in diets of United States adults. Previous research with Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study participants revealed that 16% consume a sandwich dietary pattern providing with 44% of their daily energy. Yet, little is known about the effect of sandwiches on diet quality over time. The study objectives were to determine the relationship of energy contributed by sandwiches to diet quality in this socioeconomically and racially diverse sample categorized by age (<50 years and ≥50 years at baseline) and to describe patterns of sandwich consumption over ~12 years. The analyses included a series of linear mixed-effects regression models, with age as the time variable centered at 50 years. In each model, the main outcome was Healthy Eating Index-2010 score with up to three scores, while the main predictor was % total energy from sandwiches (0, >0–20%, >20%) measured concurrently at each visit. Diet quality of olde...
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT Few recent studies have investigated food label practices in older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed adults, 60 years and older in Delaware (n = 100, 82% female, 74% between 60 and 79 years, 49% Caucasian, 45% African... more
ABSTRACT Few recent studies have investigated food label practices in older adults. This cross-sectional study surveyed adults, 60 years and older in Delaware (n = 100, 82% female, 74% between 60 and 79 years, 49% Caucasian, 45% African Americans) to examine associations between food label knowledge, attitudes, and usage patterns. A 28-item questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, usage, and demographic information. Bivariate analysis results showed food label knowledge was associated with education and monthly income. Those reporting a high school education or less incorrectly identified calorie (P < 0.05) and carbohydrate information (P < 0.03). Monthly income ≤$2000 was associated with incorrectly interpreting carbohydrate information (P < 0.03). Label usage was associated with being female (P < 0.001), having a high school education or less (P < 0.000), being 70 years or older (P < 0.05), and having a monthly income ≤$2000 (P < 0.001). Respondent’s usage and perceived label comprehension was high; however less than half could correctly interpret label information. When shown samples of the US Food and Drug Administration’s proposed new labels, subjects had a very favorable attitude toward the new changes. Increasing nutrition knowledge through education interventions appropriate for older adult consumers may improve comprehension of information on the food labels.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
... Gerry Treese, CDM, CFPP, is Chef Instructor, Food Bank of Delaware, 14 Garfield Way, Newark, DE 19713 (E-mail: chefgerry@fbd.org). ... With the addition of the CACFP meal service, more children are ben-efiting from a supper meal and... more
... Gerry Treese, CDM, CFPP, is Chef Instructor, Food Bank of Delaware, 14 Garfield Way, Newark, DE 19713 (E-mail: chefgerry@fbd.org). ... With the addition of the CACFP meal service, more children are ben-efiting from a supper meal and snacks throughout the school year in ad ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
1. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998 Dec;98(12):1462-4. Comparison of standard and portion-assisted responses to a brief fruit and vegetable food frequency questionnaire in a Hispanic WIC population. Cotugna N, Fleming E. Department ...
Research Interests:
PurposeTo examine effects of race and predictors of socioeconomic status (SES) on nutrient-based diet quality and their contribution to health disparities in an urban population of low SES.DesignData were analyzed from a sample of the... more
PurposeTo examine effects of race and predictors of socioeconomic status (SES) on nutrient-based diet quality and their contribution to health disparities in an urban population of low SES.DesignData were analyzed from a sample of the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) Study participants examining effects of age, sex, race, income, poverty income ratio (PIR), education, employment, and smoking status on nutrient-based diet quality as measured by a micronutrient composite index of nutrient adequacy ratios (NAR) and a mean adequacy ratio (MAR). Regression models were used to examine associations and t-tests were used to look at racial differences.SubjectsAfrican American and white adults ages 30-64 residing in 12 predefined census tracts in Baltimore City, Maryland.ResultsSex, age, education, PIR, and income were statistically significant predictors of diet quality for African Americans, while sex, education, and smoking status were statistically significant for whites. African Americans had lower MAR scores than whites (76.4 vs. 79.1). Whites had significantly higher NAR scores for thiamin, riboflavin, folate, B12, vitamins A and E, magnesium, copper, zinc, and calcium, while African Americans had higher vitamin C scores.ConclusionEducation significantly impacted diet quality in the HANDLS sample, but race cannot be discounted. Whether the racial differences in diet quality are indicative of cultural differences in food preferences, selection, preparation, and availability or disparities in socioeconomic status remains unclear.
Research Interests:
Innovative solutions are required to overcome increasing demands on food bank resources. A social enterprise venture in the form of an agency-run grocery store called The Market was developed by the Food Bank of Delaware (FBD) with the... more
Innovative solutions are required to overcome increasing demands on food bank resources. A social enterprise venture in the form of an agency-run grocery store called The Market was developed by the Food Bank of Delaware (FBD) with the goal of bringing food to the ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Few biotechnology processes have elicited the degree of controversy that genetic manipulation of food through recombinant DNA technology has. Research has shown that consumers turn to health professionals for answers to questions... more
Few biotechnology processes have elicited the degree of controversy that genetic manipulation of food through recombinant DNA technology has. Research has shown that consumers turn to health professionals for answers to questions regarding health and nutrition. This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of physicians (MDs/DOs), nurse practitioners (NPs), and registered dietitians (RDs) toward food biotechnology and genetic engineering (GE). Six hundred three-part, self-administered surveys were sent to health professionals holding active professional licenses. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance with Tukey&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s HSD and Scheffe&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s post hoc tests. Attitudes toward GE were positive. MDs held more positive attitudes than NPs or RDs (p = .000). MDs and NPs supported the use of GE to improve plant resistance to pests; RDs tended to support nutritional-improvement technology. All groups supported the use of GE to produce human medicines and the current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling policy. No profession was more knowledgeable than another. Biotechnology holds the potential to positively affect human health. All health professionals can facilitate or diminish this process through their understanding of the technology and their ability to communicate effectively about the science and issues associated with biotechnology.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Research Interests:
Seafood is an excellent source of essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the diet. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) advocate the intake of two servings of fish per week noting a link with potential... more
Seafood is an excellent source of essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the diet. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) advocate the intake of two servings of fish per week noting a link with potential cardiovascular health benefits. Many health organizations, including American Heart Association, concur with this recommendation. Our secondary data analysis of a nationwide Internet survey compared current seafood eaters who consume the DGA recommended amounts (CSE-R) with those not meeting recommendations (CSE-NR), former seafood eaters (FSE) and non-seafood eaters (NSE), to further clarify the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of consumers with regard to seafood. The purpose of this study was to advance our understanding of consumer perceptions and reasons for current decisions regarding seafood consumption. It is important to identify differences in characteristics of those who eat the recommended amount of seafood and those who do not, in order to p...
Professional journals are an important resource for continuing education. To explore the journal reading habits of registered dietitians (RDs), we mailed a questionnaire to all RDs in the state of Delaware. Responses were received from 71... more
Professional journals are an important resource for continuing education. To explore the journal reading habits of registered dietitians (RDs), we mailed a questionnaire to all RDs in the state of Delaware. Responses were received from 71 RDs (47%) who identified 44 professional journals they rely on for current, practical information. RDs who have journals available at work tend to devote more time to reading at work than at home. The Journal of The American Dietetic Association was clearly the professional journal read with most regularity by respondents. Articles of practical interest, followed by abstracts and book reviews, were sections most widely read. Lack of time was the primary reason RDs identified for not devoting adequate time to reading. Many attempted to resolve this problem through reliance on newsletters and less involvement with journal articles. Suggestions for improving and maximizing journal reading habits are offered.
Research Interests:
Background: Recent research has linked caffeine consumption with a lower risk for depression and cognitive decline. However, no studies have examined the relationship in an African American compared to a white, socioeconomically diverse... more
Background: Recent research has linked caffeine consumption with a lower risk for depression and cognitive decline. However, no studies have examined the relationship in an African American compared to a white, socioeconomically diverse representative urban sample. Methods: Data from a cross-sectional study were used to determine the associations of caffeine use with depressive symptomatology and cognition in a sample of 1,724 participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study. The United States Department of Agriculture's Automated Multiple Pass Method was used by trained interviewers to collect two, in-person 24-hour dietary recalls. Depressive symptoms and global cognition were assessed using two well-validated measures: the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Scale (CES-D) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. Usual caffeine intake was based on both recalls. Data were analyzed with t- and chi-square t...