Postpartum weight control: a vicious cycle.
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Adipose Tissue↗
Biomedical subjects
Debra A Krummel
Publications and source records attributed to Debra A Krummel.
Environmental perceptions related to physical activity in high- and low-risk counties.
To identify whether perceptions about the physical activity environment were related to the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle, residents from high-risk (n = 153) or low-risk (n = 100) counties were interviewed. County risk status was determined by the prevalence of cardiovascular mortality, overweight, and sedentary lifestyle. Key public officials in the same counties were also interviewed. Residents in the low-risk county were more likely to report having sidewalks in their community and that these sidewalks were safe and well lit than residents living in the high-risk counties. Low-risk county residents also reported more indoor recreation facilities being available than the residents in the high-risk counties. Residents supported allocating tax dollars toward improving sidewalks, lighting, and so on. Thus a more conducive environment for physical activity was found in the low-risk county. Improving physical environments and individual perceptions could help increase physical activity behavior.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System↗
Stages of change for weight management in postpartum women.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined factors related to stages of change for weight-management behaviors in postpartum women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data, collected at baseline, are reported from the Mothers' Overweight Management Study (MOMS), a randomized, controlled trial conducted in postpartum women who participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).Subjects/Setting Subjects were a sample of WIC recipients (N=151) older than 18 years of age with a child younger than 2 years. Statistical analysis The dependent variables were the stages of change for weight-management behaviors (losing weight, avoiding high-fat foods, eating a high-fiber diet, and exercising). Demographic, health, and psychosocial variables were examined as independent variables. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare means, and chi(2) was used for proportions. RESULTS: Whereas 55% of women were in the action stage for weight loss, fewer women were in the action stage for the following weight management behaviors: avoiding high-fat foods (24%), increasing fiber (19%), and exercising three times per week (29%). Identifying pros for weight management was related to stages for losing weight, high-fat food avoidance, and exercise (F=13.4, P<.001; F=10.5, P<.001; F=3.7, P<.007, respectively). Self-efficacy for choosing a low-fat restaurant meal or using food labels was positively related to later stages for avoiding high-fat foods and increasing fiber intake (chi(2)=16.4, P=.003; chi(2)=11.7, P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Emphasizing the pros for weight-management behaviors, decreasing the cons for exercising, increasing confidence to select low-fat restaurant choices, and improving skills for using food labels are four strategies that nutrition professionals can use to help women become more ready to change behaviors for weight management.
Adolescent↗
Factors related to postpartum depressive symptoms in low-income women.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship of depressive symptoms to psychosocial and lifestyle variables in postpartum women. DESIGN: The Mothers' Overweight Management Study (MOMS) was a randomized, weight-gain prevention trial. Baseline data are presented on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Perceived Stress Scale, Social Support Questionnaire, smoking status, body weight, waist circumference, and step counts. SUBJECTS/SETTING: The study was conducted at the Special Supplemental Feeding Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Women (N = 151) had to be over the age of 18 years and have a child under two years of age to participate. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of the women (mean age = 27 years; mean of 30 weeks postpartum) reported depressive symptoms (27% mild, 21% moderate, and 3% severe). Overall, stress scores were high (Mean = 27.2) and activity levels low (Mean steps = 5984). Mean body mass index was 30.2. Neither body weight nor steps walked were related to depressive symptoms in the bivariate or regression analyses. However, stress and social support were related to symptoms. Women without symptoms reported significantly less stress than the mild and moderate/ severe symptom groups (Means = 23.4, 29.6, and 32.7, respectively, p <.001). Mean social support satisfaction was significantly higher for non-depressed women compared to women in the moderate/severe symptom range (Means = 5.9 and 4.7 respectively, p <.001). Stress and current smoking status explained 46% of the variance in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These data emphasize the need for stress management and other tools such as increasing activity levels to prevent or lessen depressive symptoms.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Effect of obesity on health-related quality of life among Appalachian elderly.
BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research on health behaviors, health status, and overall health-related quality of life among Appalachian elderly. Identifying factors among older adults that place them at risk for low health-related quality of life is important for targeting unmet health needs and guiding community efforts to help improve population health. METHODS: For this study, we examined the relationship between obesity and health-related quality of life among Appalachians aged 65 years or older using the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data. RESULTS: Our results showed that obese elderly Appalachians report poorer self-rated health and more days of poor physical health compared with their nonobese counterparts. CONCLUSION: The goals put forward in Healthy People 2010 include the reduction of obesity and enhancement of quality of life. If such health disparities are to be eliminated and quality of life enhanced, a sustained effort to identify their determinants among Appalachian elderly is needed.
Age Factors↗
Focus groups on cardiovascular health in rural women: implications for practice.
OBJECTIVE: To determine rural women's perceptions about cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and behavior change for cardiovascular health. DESIGN: A trained moderator and nutritionist (observer) led the groups. The discussion guide was developed from the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory. The data were analyzed inductively looking at patterns and themes that emerged from the data and deductively looking at relationships from the theoretical models. SUBJECTS: Thirty-four white women participated in six groups: three younger (20-40 years; n = 18) and three older (40-55 years; n = 16) groups. Women with no more than 13 years of education were recruited by social service providers, Extension agents, and church groups. RESULTS: Rural women were unaware of their personal CVD risks. Common themes included the overriding influence of family preferences and cultural food patterns on women's food choices and the lack of support for adoption of a heart-healthy diet. Self-efficacy for dietary change spanned the continuum from no confidence (younger women) to complete empowerment (older women). CONCLUSIONS: Efforts need to be directed toward providing education and skill building for CVD prevention based on a better understanding of women's cultural beliefs and life situations. All women believed that dietary choices were important for cardiovascular health; however, they lacked the skills for food selection and preparation. Family preference and support are key to the adoption and maintenance of a heart-healthy eating plan. For interventions, women preferred active learning (hands-on experiences) coupled with group classes for learning and support. Rural women lacked these resources or access to a nutritionist.
Adult↗
The prevalence of heart-healthy menu items in West Virginia restaurants.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of heart-healthy choices offered in restaurants. METHODS: Menus (N=273) were obtained from restaurants in the 10 most populated cities in West Virginia. A survey assessed the number of restaurants that provide point-of- purchase nutrition information and the heart-healthy choices offered. RESULTS: One restaurant offered point-of-purchase nutrition information. Nine percent of restaurants identified heart-healthy choices on their menus. There was a high frequency of offering vegetarian entrees, light side dishes, and vegetables; however, much less fruit, low-fat milk, low-fat salad dressing, or heart-healthy desserts were on menus. CONCLUSION: There is much opportunity for providing and identifying heart-healthy choices in restaurants.
Food Preferences↗