Nutrition Department
Nutrition Research
The members of the Nutrition Department are actively pursuing research interests, the majority
of which actively engages community groups. The following describe some of the
studies the members of the department are pursuing or planning to pursue. It is common practice in our department
for a master thesis student to join a departmental faculty member or director in an ongoing investigation as part of his/her thesis.
The research study Impact of Nutrition Education on Self-Efficacy
for Low Fat Eating collected data about nutrition self-efficacy
and outcome expectancies for consumption of a low-fat diet in
undergraduate students enrolled in three different nutrition courses
over time and as compared to a control group. Analysis continues
by the researcher examining the efficacy of the tools, as well
as predictors of self-efficacy and stage of change. (C. Arnold)
The research study Exercise Behaviors is a comparative
analysis between two groups on multiple scales. It includes the
examination of potential determinants of behavior and levels of
exercise behavior, exercise self-efficacy, general efficacy, mood,
and some nutrition behaviors. A second intervention study explores
which of these predict increases in fitness. (C. Arnold and C.
Broeder)
The research study Impact of an Employee Wellness Program
examines the health, motivation, self-efficacy, productivity,
and financial impact of a wellness program, as well as predictors
of success. It also explores associations between sprituality
and well-being. (C. Arnold)
A conjoint analysis research study is underway examining the
question: What do DPD students value most about the dietetics
program attended? (C. Arnold)
The research study Engagement in Nutrition Courses is
examining differences between undergraduate, graduate, and laboratory
courses on the construct of classroom engagement. Further analyses
will continue by the researcher this year. (C. Arnold)
The study Determining Membership Service Preferences and Use
Via a Satisfaction Survey: A Comparative Study solicited input
from stakeholders about their association (Illinois Dietetic Association)
via e-mail. (C. Arnold & M. Wilson)
The research study Assessment of Body Fat using Three Bioelectrical
Impedance Instruments was a comparative study of instrument
efficacy and accuracy, which is nearing completion. (D. Handu)
The project Association between Media and Obesity used
a content analysis approach of popular media to examine the link
between use and weight status. Data collection and analysis continues
on a broader scale by the researcher. (D. Handu)
The Organic School Project (OSP) titled Integrative Approach
to Healthy Eating in Urban Schools offers low-cost initiatives
that influence students’ food choices by changing the food environment.
The research has several aspects: (1) examination of the impact
of a nutrition education program on knowledge, self-efficacy,
and anthropometrics in Chicago Public School (CPS); (2) exploration
of the impact of change in school menu on plate waste in CPS school;
and (3). utilization of focus groups of students and teachers
to study the impact (e.g., gains in learning of Organic School
Project, strengths, improvements) in CPS school. The OSP is nstituted
at a total of three Chicago Public Schools. In a related school
nutrition study, we plan to conduct an "acceptability"
survey to measure the effectiveness of school menu changes (includes
examination of school lunch participation rates) in Lemont school
district. (D. Handu)
Through the school nutrtion research study Factors Associated
with Overweight Status in Children, data from children enrolled
in an after school program at six elementary schools of the West
Chicago School District #33 were be confidentially obtained and
analyzed. Data included: height, weight, gender, date of birth,
ethnicity, absenteeism, and reduced or free school lunch program
participation. In a related study, Factors Associated with
Overweight Status in Middle School Children, data from children
enrolled in the West Chicago District #33 middle school were confidentially
obtained and examined. Health Risk Data was collected and
analyzed. This year, we will be examining the health risk of children
(1) in schools enrolled in an after school program, and compare
against prior years, and (2) enrolled in a preschool education
program, with comparison against prior years. (J. Moreschi)
The research study Impact of Education in an After School
Program on Fruit and Vegetable and Physical Activity Levels will
examine the effect of an intervention on two age groups (preschool
and elementary) with age appropriate curricula in West Chicago
School District #33. In a related school nutrition research study,
we plan to examine fruit and vegetable intake, along with physical
activity levels of preschool aged children through a school-wide
survey. (J. Moreschi)
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