Browsing by Subject "Nutritional Epidemiology"
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Item Dietary Quality In The United States: An Evaluation Of The American Diet Using The Mediterranean Diet Index(2003-12-01) LaFontaine, Laura Jean; Sejong BaeLaFontaine, Laura Jean, Dietary Quality in the United States: An Evaluation of the American Diet Using the Mediterranean Diet Index. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), December 2003, 69 pp., 10 tables, 3 figures, reference list, 92 titles. Mediterranean Diet Index (MDI) score is positively associated with increased longevity in diverse populations. High scores are characterized by high intake of fruit, vegetables, legumes, fish, and grains; low intake of meat and dairy; moderate alcohol intake; and high monounsaturated to saturated fat ratio. Dietary quality 7,772 individuals ages 2 and older in the NHANES 1999-2000 sample was assessed using the MDI. Mean MDI scores were low overall and across all population groups. Highest mean scores (3.03-3.13) were observed in children 2-3 and adult men; lowest scores (2.76-2.77) were observed in adolescents. High scores were associated with foreign-born status, higher education level, increasing age in adults, and decreasing age in children.Item Do Social Factors Influence the Severity of Diabetes among Hispanics in Fort Worth?: A Cross-Sectional Study(2004-05-01) Moayad, Neda Zandi; Hector Balcazar; Manuel Bayona; Sue LurieNeda Zandi Moayad, Do social factors influence the severity of Diabetes among Hispanics in Fort Worth? A cross-sectional study. Doctor of Public Health, May 2004, 91 pp., 5 tables, bibliography, 99 titles. The Latino population is the fastest growing ethnic group in Texas, representing more than 35% of the total population. There is evidence that diabetes among Latinos has increased considerably in recent years. The prevalence of type II diabetes in Latinos ages 45-74 is three times higher than in the non-Latino whites of the same age group. The goal of this research was to assess the importance of selected potential prognostic factors to severe type II diabetes in Latino patients. Among other findings, the results of this study show that family history of diabetes, place of birth and having spent childhood in Mexico, preferring Spanish as the spoken language, having been educated in Mexico, receiving food stamps, smoking, being overweight and obsess, acculturation and low family cohesiveness were associated with severe diabetes. These findings indicate that level of family cohesiveness and acculturation and other variables might be predictors of diabetes severity.Item Eating Disorders: Best Age for Education and Prevention(2004-05-01) Chasmawala, Jayshri R.; Susan Franks; Susan Eve; Muriel MarshallChasmawala, Jayshri R., Eating Disorders: Best Age for Prevention and Education. Master of Public Health (Dual Degree D.O./M.P.H.), May 2004, 22 pp., 11 tables, 6 illustrations, references, 16 titles. Objective: This study attempts to determine the best age to design a prevention program to prevent the development of eating disorders based on adolescents’ behavior and attitudes towards eating disorders. Methods: Forty students aged 11-17 answered a self-reported questionnaire regarding dieting and weight, identification of emotional states, and general awareness of eating disorders. Age group divided the sample: 13 years of age and younger; and 14 years of age and older. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine existence of any differences between the populations. Results: An overall difference in the age groups exists with statistic significance. The difference in mean values of interoceptive awareness is statistically significant between the age groups. Conclusion: Interoceptive Awareness, not awareness level of eating disorders, is more indicative of the best age for prevention. Younger age children may benefit more from prevention due to lack of emotional maturity which leads to higher risk of development of eating disorders.Item EGCG and Its Role in Prostate Cancer Angiogenesis(2005-05-01) Thomas, Rusha; Porunelloor Mathew; Ming-Chi Wu; Dan DimitrijevichThomas, Rusha, EGCG and its role in prostate cancer angiogenesis. Master of Science (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), May 2005, 47 pages, 14 illustrations, reference list, 44 titles. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-mediated upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated in angiogenesis associated with malignancies. HIF-1 consists of a constitutively expressed HIF-1β subunit, and a hypoxia-inducible HIF-1α subunit. Hypoxic induction of HIF-1α correlates with increased transcriptional activation of its downstream target genes, including VEGF. Epidemiologic and laboratory studies indicate that green tea has cancer preventive activity which has been attributed to its polyphenol components, the major one being epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This study investigated the effect of EGCG on normoxic VEGF expression in PC-3ML human prostate cancer cells. In contrast to previous studies where EGCG inhibited VEGF expression in breast and colon cancer cell lines, our results demonstrated that EGCG has the ability to upregulate HIF-1α transcription factor via inhibition of prolyl hydroxylation and subsequent von Hippel-Lindau protein interaction. HIF-1α upregulation by EGCG led to increased VEGF promoter activity and protein expression.Item Enhancing the Care of the Elderly; An Educational Intervention to Improve Nutritional Knowledge of Nursing Home Staff(1998-06-01) Cummings, Dana; Gilbert Ramirez; Claudia Coggin; Antonio ReneCummings, Dana M., Enhancing the Care of Elderly; an Educational Intervention to Improve Nutritional Knowledge of Nursing Home Staff. Master of Public Health, June 1998, 81 p.p., 5 tables, bibliography, 15 titles. Gross deficiencies exist in the quality and quantity of health care personnel taking care of the aged (Hersch, 1989). Eighty to ninety percent of nursing home staff are untrained aides paid the minimum wage to care for one of the sickest and frailest populations in the United States (Patenaude, 1997). The purpose of this study was to determine if short term nutrition education, utilizing principles for adult learners, would result in knowledge improvement in nursing home staff. An interactive, participatory instructional model was implemented into an existing structure of regular staff inservices to answer this question. To test the effectiveness of the intervention a questionnaire was developed using items from previously validated instruments. Using three nursing homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a total of 157 pre-test and 132 post-test questionnaires were completed. A significant increase in overall knowledge from 80.6% at baseline to 96.1% at post-test was found (p [less than] .001). Participants also showed a significant (p [less than] 0.001) overall increase in knowledge for each of the three learning domains; patient care related to nutrition, food and fluid intake of residents, and eating. These findings suggest that employing short-term education to nursing home staff, using principles for adult learners, can improve nutritional knowledge significantly.Item Meta-analysis: Effects of Opuntia Species(2000-05-01) Garcia, Anna R.; John Licciardone; Gilbert Ramirez; FongGarcia, Anna R., Meta-analysis: Effects of Opuntia species. Master of Public Health (Epidemiology), May, 2000, 73 pp., 10 tables, 10 figures, references, 62 titles. The Mexican American population is more susceptible to diabetes mellitus due to a number of risk factors. The earliest recorded treatments for diabetes mellitus involved the use of natural plants. Opuntia species are any member of the genus Opuntia of Cactus family and who are native to the Western Hemisphere. In order to determine the efficacy of Opuntia species as a hypoglycemic agent in non-insulin dependent diabetics, a meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the identified studies. In addition, insulin and the presence of a dose-response relationship upon ingestion of Opuntia were investigated. A statistically significant reduction in serum glucose was found after the ingestion of 500 grams of Opuntia species. Additional studies are needed to determine the mechanism of hypoglycemic action and to further investigate the properties of Opuntia species.Item Obesity and Risk of Stroke in NHANES I Follow Up Study(2002-12-01) Soman, Ashwini; Umed Ajani; Antonio Rene; Karan SinghSoman, Ashwini, Obesity and risk of stroke in NHANES-I follow-up study, Masters of Public Health (Epidemiology), December 2002. 79pp., 20 tables, 3 illustrations, bibliography, 46 titles. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the US. Role of obesity as an independent risk factor has been relatively well established for coronary heart diseases but not for stroke. Purpose of this study was to assess long-term risk of stroke due to obesity measured at baseline. The research was conducted using First National Nutritional Health and Examination Survey and its follow ups. Overall, increased risk of stroke was observed in obese individuals (BMI [greater than] 30 kg/m2). Similar association was observed in different subgroups of race, gender, those with or without diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Item Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Factors for Diabetes in United States - 2005(2007-04-01) Tomer, Vikas; Sejong Bae; Karan Singh; Raghbir SandhuTomer, Vikas, Prevalence of obesity and associated factors for diabetes in United States –2005, Master of Public Health (Biostatistics), May 2007, 27 pp, 9 tables. Diabetes is one of the major public health problems in the United States. The purpose of this research is to explore whether there is a relationship between obesity and diabetes and to understand the effects of some other associated factors on diabetes in the United States in the year 2005. The data studied is from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2005. A univariate analysis for frequency distribution was used to evaluate and edit the data. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of diabetes and the variables through crude and adjusted odd ratio. The result of the study showed significant association between diabetes and obesity and the associated factors among US adults. The prevalence of diabetes has been found to be highest among African Americans followed by Hispanics and Others. Our results indicate that being an obese non-Hispanic black with low income level over the age of 65 years is indicative of being at the highest risk for diabetes. Therefore, for preventive measures to decrease the risk of being overweight and obesity healthy eating habits and regular exercise are recommended. As, income level increases, there is a significant decrease in the diabetes population. The strongest predictor of all appears to be obesity followed by age. Age, gender, income level, race and BMI all had significant effect on diabetes.Item Racial and Ethnic Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in U.S. Older Women: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey(2006-08-01) Kurian, Anita K.; Sejong Bae; Karan Singh; Kristine LykensKurian, Anita K., Racial and Ethnic Differences in Cardiovasular Disease Risk Factors in U.S. Older Women: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, 2003 & 2004. Doctor of Public Health (Clinical Research), August 2006, 118 pp., 55 tables, 14 illustrations, references, 69 titles. Objectives- The study sought to determine if there were any significant racial and ethnic differences in six modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors in women aged 65 years and older. It also examined the dynamic relationships of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods- Data were extracted from the merged 2003 & 2004 Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Prevalence estimates and 95% of each of the six cardiovascular disease risk factors considered (Hypertension, Diabetes, Obesities, Hypercholesterolemia, Smoking, and No leisure-time physical activity) were calculated by race/ethnicity. Multinomial (for indicator outcomes) and multiple logistic regression analyses (for binary outcomes) were performed. Path analysis was performed to assess the complex pathways by which race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) were associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Results- Of the 77,492 survey respondents included in the sample, there were 68,251 whites, 4,912 blacks, 3,656 Hispanics and 673 AIANs. The odds of the cardiovascular risk factors were higher in race/ethnicity minority women (non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, American Indian Alaskan Native) compared to white women aged 65 years and older. Socioeconomic status was found to be a moderator rather than a mediator of the relationship between race/ethnicity and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The re-specified model with the behavioral risk factors (smoking and no leisure-time physical activity) as mediators was deemed a good fit to the data. Age, race/ethnicity, SES, smoking and leisure-time physical activity were found to have significant direct, indirect and total effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Conclusions- There is a need to find better ways to measure race/ethnicity, and future research should consider the impact of more fundamental determinants of CVD risk factors. Area-based measures, such as neighborhood conditions, should also be given consideration for influencing these risk factors. Identification of potential mediating and moderating factors in these pathways (for example, sense of personal control or social support) will help clinicians and public health professionals to develop culturally sensitive intervention or prevention programs specifically targeted toward risk burdens in each of these populations.Item Rural Vs. Urban Residents and Obesity in Texas(2005-05-01) Ohagi, Emeka J.; Ty Borders; Peter Hilsenrath; Kathryn CardarelliOhagi, Emeka J., Rural vs. Urban Residents and Obesity in Texas. Master of Public Health (Health Informatics), May 2005, 52 pp., 3 tables, bibliography, 90 titles. Obesity in the United States has been described as an epidemic and Texas has been identified as one of the most obese states in the country. The purpose of this study is to examine obesity among Texas adults in order to determine if there are differences in obesity levels based on residence, and to explore the influence of other demographic, socioeconomic, health and behavioral factors on the distribution of obesity. Results indicate that urban and suburban dwellers are less likely than rural dwellers to be obese (adj. OR=0.64; 0.68, respectively). However, residents of frontier communities have slightly higher odds of obesity (adj. OR=1.09) than rural residents. Age was found to be an important factor in obesity. It is hoped that these and other results will facilitate appropriate channeling of public health response.Item The Mechanism of Agriculture and Health Exploration of Links Between Agricultural Practice and Human Nutrition in Rural China(2008-05-01) Campos-Bower, Monica Haydee; Nuha Lackan; Robert Kaman; Sejong BaeCampos-Bower, Monica Haydee, The mechanism of agriculture and health-Exploration of links between agricultural practice and human nutrition in rural China Doctor of Public Health (Health Management and Policy), May 2008, 73 pp, 9 Tables, 5 Figures, bibliography, 23 titles. Health consequences of nutritional deficiencies remain a concern for more than half of the global population. Agriculture improvement has helped to alleviate nutritional deficiencies, especially among the rural developing world, where populations are more susceptible. In China, approximately 80% of the population lives in rural areas with close to 40% suffering from at least one nutrient deficiency. Current agricultural development projects in China are geared toward enhancing crop nutrition, but more research is needed to determine the relationship between food practices, agricultural diversity and the nutritional health in rural areas. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the direct relationship of agriculture on human health through assessment of agricultural practices and agricultural policy on human health symptoms in rural populations in China. A comparative study was performed on data from the University of North Carolina Population Center-China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) and a case study based on field research in western China. The study demonstrated relationships between agricultural practices with human health symptoms. In addition, agricultural and environmental policies adopted in rural areas did impact ability to engage in agricultural practices as well as diet and human activity among rural households. Future agricultural and environmental policies should consider repercussions of policy effects on community social infrastructure, economy and health and create measures to address these issues.