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Biomedical subjects

Barbara Lohse

Publications and source records attributed to Barbara Lohse.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Survey of herbal use by Kansas and Wisconsin WIC participants reveals moderate, appropriate use and identifies herbal education needs.

OBJECTIVE: To examine herbal use by a sample of low-income, nutritionally vulnerable children. DESIGN: Caregivers completed a survey of child and caregiver herbal usage practices. SUBJECTS/SETTING: A convenience sample of 2,562 caregivers to children participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Kansas and Wisconsin who were attending a WIC clinic was selected. WIC project selection was random, with stratification for geographic and ethnic representation. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Herbal usage profiles were described with measures of central tendency. Groups were compared with a two-tailed independent t test and chi2 for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. RESULTS: Child herbal use was reported on 917 surveys, representing 1,363 children ranging in age from 1 week to 17.5 years; 820 were younger than age 5 years. Herb use was greater among Latino children (48.4% vs 31.4%) and caregivers (43.4% vs 37.2%). Caregivers had a mean age of 27.8+/-8.32 years and 38.8% (n=994) denoted using herbs. Herbs most commonly used by children were aloe vera, chamomile, garlic, peppermint, lavender, cranberry, ginger, echinacea, and lemon. Reasons for herbal use paralleled recommendations. Family (78.9%) and friends (32.9%) were predominant information sources. Herbs with safety issues, such as St John's wort, dong quai, and kava were used. Herbal use characteristics did not differ between states, but were unique for Latino clients. CONCLUSIONS: Herbal use by WIC children is mostly congruent with known indications; however, practices with potential to harm urge herbal education in WIC clinics, especially for Latinos.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Acceptability of stage-tailored newsletters about fruits and vegetables by young adults.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of stage-tailored newsletters as a communication means for promoting fruit and vegetable intake by young adults. Qualitative interviews were conducted to gather young adults' likes and dislikes about stage-tailored newsletters on fruits and vegetables. A total of 246 interviews were completed by young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 years for focus group and/or in-depth interviews. Prototype newsletters containing stage-matched messages were designed to increase motivational readiness to increase fruit and vegetable intake based on the Transtheoretical Model. Transcripts were grouped by stage of change and examined to identify major themes or topics. Results showed that young adults in each of the three stages responded positively to the tailored newsletters. Subjects provided feedback on newsletter likes/dislikes, benefits/barriers to eating fruits and vegetables, and strategies for promoting change. This study provides an example of the incorporation of key concepts from the Transtheoretical Model in development of stage-tailored newsletters for young adults.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Outcomes monitoring of health, behavior, and quality of life after nutrition intervention in adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in health and lifestyle indicators over 6 months in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian, and to promote dietetics professionals' participation in outcomes monitoring and research. DESIGN: Prospective, noncontrolled descriptive study. SUBJECTS: Two hundred forty-four physician-referred adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus from 31 sites who received usual and customary nutrition counseling, and 83 registered dietitians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Glycemic control, coronary heart disease risk, self-management behaviors, and quality of life were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Dietitians' perceptions of the study were also measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Repeated-measures analysis of variance, paired t test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, sign test, Spearman correlation, and chi 2 analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Weight and glycemic control, coronary heart disease risk, and self-management behaviors improved significantly between baseline and 3 months and baseline and 6 months. Weight, body mass index, and glycosylated hemoglobin value also improved significantly between 3 months and 6 months. Increased time and/or number of sessions with the registered dietitian were associated with weight loss and reduced glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Self-perceived health status and missed workdays were significantly improved at 6 months. Difficulty obtaining current laboratory values, lack of time, and inability to reach subjects for follow-up presented the greatest obstacles for the dietitians. CONCLUSIONS: Positive outcomes were observed in adults receiving nutrition intervention for type 2 diabetes. Clinical improvements were greatest between baseline and 3 months, with stabilization between 3 months and 6 months, suggesting ongoing intervention is needed to support continued clinical progress. Dietitians found participation in this state affiliate-coordinated research project rewarding.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Introducing a problem-based unit into a lifespan nutrition class using a randomized design produces equivocal outcomes.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a tutorial, student-centered, problem-driven educational strategy adopted by medical and allied health educators to positively influence self-directed learning, critical thinking, and learning behavior. PBL was examined in dietetics education through random assignment of 32 undergraduate dietetics students for two weeks to either a problem-based or a lecture-based case format for the infant and elderly units of a 16-week lifespan nutrition course. Random assignment followed stratification for gender and earlier course examination performance. Expert validation of PBL curricular components and noted differences in discussion structure and information resources verified curriculum distinctiveness. Main outcome measures were pre- and post-Cognitive Behavior Survey scores for memorization, reflection, and positive learning experience scales, unit and course evaluations and unit examination scores. Students in problem-based modules demonstrated greater gains in reflective thinking with stable memorization, suggesting improved critical thinking skills. Tenets that problem-based learning promotes knowledge retention and provides a more positive learning experience were not upheld. Knowledge acquisition was not hindered by a problem-based approach. We conclude that gains in reflective thinking and evidence of increased self-directed learning argue for inclusion of PBL in dietetics curricula and that a problem-based education will help dietitians successfully respond to professional development needs.

Adult↗