Biomedical subjects

Krista Casazza

Publications and source records attributed to Krista Casazza.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

The method of delivery of nutrition and physical activity information may play a role in eliciting behavior changes in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: Motivating adolescents to adopt proper nutrition and physical activity behaviors is important in this nation's fight to prevent obesity and chronic diseases. This study was conducted to determine which health education delivery method would elicit a greater behavior change. METHOD: The intervention was conducted in three schools (control, computer-based, and traditional education). RESULTS: Students who received the computer-based intervention showed increased knowledge (p<0.001), physical activity (p=0.001), self-efficacy (p<0.001), and social support (p<0.001), and decreased meals skipped (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The computer-based group showed more positive behavior changes. However, future programs may be enhanced by including group discussion and individual feedback.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Improving the dietary patterns of adolescents using a computer-based approach.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that 16-33% of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese, making this the number one nutritional disease of this group. The prevalence appears to be increasing annually, as are the associated consequences. Moreover, the CDC estimates that less than 50% of adolescents are physically active on a regular basis. In order to improve the health of these individuals, an intervention must be focused to modify these behaviors. Facilitating the understanding of proper nutrition and need for physical activity among adolescents will likely prevent health problems such as overweight and obesity and the development of chronic diseases later in life. Despite these concerns, adolescents remain one of the most underserved populations in terms of preventive services. In the past, health education interventions have shown increases in knowledge; however, the ultimate goal of these programs is to positively impact behavior. To accomplish this, we must focus on the learning styles of "today's" adolescents. Computer-based interventions allow for individualized strategies to promote healthy lifestyles. A computer-based intervention program has the potential to elicit a greater behavior change in comparison to a traditional didactic intervention program.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Psychosocial risk factors for eating disorders in Hispanic females of diverse ethnic background and non-Hispanic females.

This study investigated differences in psychosocial risk factors for eating disorders among university females (n=406) of diverse Hispanic background (Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central American/Mexican, Dominican, Venezuelan) and among White non-Hispanic (n=102) female students. Risk factors were assessed using the Psychosocial Risk Factor Questionnaire (PRFQ) which includes four subscales: Social Pressure for Thinness, Media Pressure for Thinness, Concern for Physical Appearance, and Perception of Physical Appearance. There were significant differences among the groups in total PRFQ score, F(7,499)=2.76, P<.008, and the subscale score for Concern, F(7,499)=2.99, P<.004, with Dominicans, Venezuelans and Columbians having higher scores than White non-Hispanics and Central Americans/Mexicans. In addition, there was a significant difference in BMI, F(7,499)=2.70, P<.009. Both Puerto Ricans (24.27+0.81) and Venezuelans (24.66+1.00) had higher BMIs than White non-Hispanics (21.87+0.37), Cubans (21.99+0.24) and Brazilians (21.46+0.96). There was also a significant, F(7,498)=2.70, P<.009, difference among the groups in Ideal Body Image score. Puerto Ricans had the highest score and Brazilians the lowest. Acknowledging that differences in psychosocial risk factors exist among Hispanic females of diverse background can assist us in creating more targeted approaches for the prevention of potential eating disorders in this population.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

CDE and non-CDE dietitians' knowledge of exercise and content of exercise programs for older adults with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To study differences between non-certified diabetes educator registered dietitians (non-CDE-RDs) and certified diabetes educator registered dietitians (CDE-RDs) in the design and content of programs to promote physical activity in older adults with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: The Exercise Teaching Questionnaire was used to assess knowledge of and promotion of physical activity. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Surveys were sent to CDE-RDs and non-CDE-RDs in Florida, California, and Texas. Ninety-four CDE-RDs and 73 non-CDE-RDs completed the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The independent variable was CDE status. The dependent variables were knowledge, design, content, and total exercise scores. ANALYSIS: Two-way ANOVA's tested for Knowledge, Design, and Content scores by RD status and one of the following: years practicing in diabetes education, state, and practice setting. RESULTS: The exercise Knowledge, Design and Content scores were significantly (P < .001) higher in the CDE-RDs compared to those of the non-CDE-RDs. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study indicate that education and experience play a key role in the design and content of programs to promote physical activity in older adults. Therefore, the results raise the question of the role the dietitian and nutrition educator should play in the promotion of physical activity in older adults.

Adult↗