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Biomedical subjects

B R Carruth

Publications and source records attributed to B R Carruth.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Selection criteria for approved preprofessional practice programs: are they different from those for dietetic internships?

Using a mailed questionnaire, we surveyed the directors of 41 approved preprofessional practice programs (AP4) listed in the Directory of Dietetic Programs 1990 and nine programs approved by The American Dietetic Association's Council on Education in December 1989 to determine the relative importance of admission criteria used to select students for AP4s. We compared the results of this study with those of an earlier survey of dietetic internship directors. The AP4 and dietetic internship directors gave significantly different importance ratings to elective courses in professional sciences and courses in the biological/physical sciences. Unlike dietetic internship directors, AP4 directors rated Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score highest (1.4 +/- 1.7 on a 10-point scale). AP4 directors' rating of grade point average (1.8 +/- 1.3) and professional courses (1.9 +/- 1.2) was similar to the internship directors' rating of these criteria (1.7 +/- 0.9 and 1.7 +/- 1.0, respectively). Results indicate that AP4 and internship directors seek similar qualities in students, but that GRE score is more important to AP4 directors. The AP4 directors' emphasis on GRE score may be explained, in part, by the fact that 76% (38 of 50) of these programs are affiliated with a university program, and of those 38 programs, 29 (88%) require graduate credit as a component of the AP4. These data are important to Plan IV/V faculty advisers because students may have misconceptions about differences in AP4 and internship selection criteria.

Dietetics↗
PubMed1991

Relationship of self-concept to nutrient intake and eating patterns in young women.

The relationships between attitudes toward oneself (self-concept) and nutrition-related behavior were examined for 153 single women aged 18 to 35 years. Nutrition-related behaviors were assessed with 3-day food records that were analyzed for nutrient composition and eating patterns (Basic Four Food Group scores, number of meals per day, and percent of energy from meals and snacks). Attitudes toward self, knowledge and attitudes about nutrition, and general health practices were assessed with a written questionnaire that incorporated several existing scales. Because of potential overlap among the three self-concept scales, as well as nutrition-attitude and health-practice items, responses were factor analyzed, yielding 14 factors. These factors were then compared with nutrient intake and eating patterns. Scores for the seemingly desirable factors of the "Super Person" or "Do Your Own Thing" were negatively correlated with intake of several nutrients; scores on the self-perception of a "Traditional" orientation to life were positively related to calcium intake and meal patterns. The "Nutrition Is Important" and "Nutrition Knowledge" factors were also positively related to desirable eating patterns and nutrient intakes. We conclude that several self-concept variables, as well as nutrition attitudes and knowledge, can potentially influence nutrient intakes and eating patterns in young women.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Practitioners beware: regional differences in beliefs about nutrition during pregnancy.

We surveyed 1,771 members of The American Dietetic Association, who worked in general nutrition, pediatrics, and public health nutrition, about their clients' beliefs about nutrition during pregnancy. The practitioners were chosen because they likely served pregnant women and/or women with young children. Items for the belief inventory were generated by surveying the beliefs of pregnant and nonpregnant adolescents and their families, teachers, and peers as well as by collecting beliefs heard from clients of social workers, nurses, and dietitians residing in the state of Tennessee. Using a modified q-sort, 26 statements were developed to survey dietitians practicing nationwide. Results indicate that beliefs about physiological needs during pregnancy, practices related to a healthy baby, and beverage recommendations were not significantly different across the regions designated by US Public Health Services (Standard Federal Administrative Regions). However, beliefs about cravings and folklore showed strong regional differences, with the Southeast regions and adjacent states differing significantly from other regions. The majority of beliefs are not supported by scientific information, and results support the need for each region to identify beliefs that could influence dietary patterns (eg, eating for two, eating only a few selected foods, restricting salt, taking vitamins to overcome an inadequate diet, and deciding pregnancy is a good time to lose weight). We recommend that dietetic practitioners become aware of clients' beliefs, support beliefs that are accurate according to current recommendations for pregnancy, and counsel clients about beliefs that are potentially detrimental to good nutrition during pregnancy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Pregnant adolescents report infrequent use of sugar substitutes.

The participants were not using sugar substitutes and, given their reported weight gain, they did not need to restrict their caloric intake during pregnancy. Taste was a primary deterrent to avoiding artificially sweetened carbonated beverages; they preferred milk, regular carbonated beverages, and fruit juices. Except for iron intake, their nutrient intakes met or exceeded the RDA. Although mean energy intakes were slightly less than recommended, maternal weight gain and infant birth weights were satisfactory.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Selection criteria for dietetic internship admission: what do internship directors consider most important?

A mail survey of the 97 dietetic internship directors listed in the 1989 Directory of Dietetic Programs determined the relative importance of criteria stated on the Dietetic Internship Application Form developed by The American Dietetic Association. A response rate of 91% was achieved. Results indicate that grade point average, success in professional and physiological/biological science courses, and former employment were the most important criteria to a majority of respondents. Extensive write-in comments indicated that a grade of C or less in upper-level professional, basic sciences, and management/business courses reduced the competitive edge; in some cases, a C excluded the student from an appointment. The importance of the application packet, application letter, and their neatness and accuracy was also stressed. Directors desired letters of reference that provided insight about the student not readily available in the application information, e.g., flexibility and dependability. In summary, directors are looking for an overall academically strong student with good references and some work experience (either paid or volunteer) that seems to fit with a career choice in dietetics.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1984

Current controversies: exercising during pregnancy.

The current emphasis on physical fitness has motivated many women to participate in a variety of exercise programs. Increased participation by pregnant women is also occurring in the form of self-directed activities and/or as recommended by physicians in an effort to shorten labor and improve pregnancy outcome. Whether exercise improves or presents a potential hazard to the mother and fetus is a concern. The implications for the "trained" woman as well as the "untrained" exerciser are unclear and need definitive study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Excessive weight loss in the athletic adolescent. A diagnostic dilemma.

Differentiating anorexia nervosa (AN) from excessive weight loss in the otherwise healthy, athletic adolescent may be difficult. We report the maximal work capacity, hormonal secretory patterns, and psychological assessment of a 14-year-old male runner who induced excessive weight loss and partially recovered. At 17% below previous body weight (28% below ideal weight for height), he had significant resting bradycardia (38 bmp), low maximal heart rate (167 bpm), depressed VO2 max, and prepubertal 24-hour LH and testosterone secretory patterns in the presence of late pubertal genital development. The diagnostic dilemma of excess weight loss due to food aversion in the normal athlete versus anorexia nervosa with running as a symptom was resolved by psychiatric evaluation. A disturbed body image, marked feelings of inadequacy, and depression were discovered, which are findings consistent with AN. Diagnostic criteria of AN and the possible implications of a subnormal maximal heart rate are reviewed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Assessment and conservative management of the overfat adolescent.

With the increasing incidence of obesity among adolescents, physicians are often asked about weight reduction programs and "ideal" body weights for patients of varying biological maturities. Morbidly obese patients are easily diagnosed; however, little differentiation is made in assessing adolescents who are considered overweight vs. overfat as defined by current growth charts. This article provides an overview of methods and norms for assessing body weight and energy needs within the context of a clinic setting and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of conservative treatment approaches: diet, exercise, and behavior modification.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Smoking and pregnancy outcome of adolescents.

The interrelationship between dietary intake, smoking behavior, and weight again during pregnancy was studied and compared with pregnancy outcomes of infant birth weight and Apgar scores of infants born to smokers. Nonsmokers (N = 28) and smokers (N = 39) were volunteers attending secondary schools in an urban area. Both groups received prenatal and tertiary care at free or reduced fees and participated in free lunch and other assistance programs at their schools. Smoking was not statistically related to maternal weight gain, infant birth weight, dietary inadequacy, or Apgar scores. Smoking was significantly related to low pregravid weight (P less than or equal to .05). Dietary iron and folic acid were deficient in both groups. Snacking represented a major source of calories, and 25-50% of foods consumed were eaten away from home.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

A nutrition attitude instrument for nursing students.

This communication has focused on selected aspects of attitude measurement used in developing an attitude instrument, composed of one scale, appropriate for nursing students. The study generated a scale with a Coefficient Alpha of r = 0.87 and a split-half reliability estimate of r = 0.84. Due to the dependence of these reliability estimates on statistical correlations, the size and/or the manner of the selection of the sample is an important consideration. The study was discussed in relation to the present status of attitude measurement in nutrition education research.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mothers' sources of information about feeding their children ages 2 months to 54 months.

The purpose of this study was to determine sources and types of information about child feeding practices that were received by 62 mothers with children aged 2 to 54 months. Each mother participated in 10 or 11 in-home interviews. Data analyses included chi-square testing for differences in information sources over time and content analyses to develop information themes. As sources, citations for professionals and magazines decreased, with no significant changes for relatives over time. After 24 months, newspapers, television, and friends were reported more frequently than earlier. Mothers reported multiple and concurrent information sources over time. Thus, nutrition educators have concurrent and multiple opportunities to disseminate nutrition information.

Adult↗