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Biomedical subjects

N Cotugna

Publications and source records attributed to N Cotugna.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Perceptions and evaluation of the computerized registration examination for dietitians.

In September 1999, the format for the Registration Examination for Dietitians changed from a paper-and-pencil test to a computerized design. The purpose of this study was to determine how examinees reacted to the computerized exam experience. We surveyed 304 registered dietitians in Region VI states who had been eligible as of August 1, 1999, to earn this credential. The response rate was 61% (n=185). Average time between completing the supervised practice program and taking the exam was 5.7 months. Most (n=125) found the computerized format to be satisfactory even though 54.7% reported having anxiety about taking computerized exams. The major difficulties experienced by the examinees were scheduling problems and poor communication on the part of the testing centers. Exam takers need to be better informed about procedural issues, exam center environment, and the limitations of the testing centers.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Use and barriers to use of laboratory data by clinical dietitians.

The results of this study reveal two general areas of concern for clinical dietitians in the use of laboratory data--their lack of confidence in their own interpretive skills and the perceived resistance of physicians. Although clinical dietitians receive theoretical and applied training on the use of laboratory values in their undergraduate education and dietetic internship, clinical managers should be aware that they need support and continuing education to use their laboratory assessment skills to the fullest. Also, dietitians should demonstrate more clearly to physicians their knowledge, skill, and needs in this area. They should initiate and continue dialogue about the importance of laboratory analysis to nutrition care and improved patient outcome. Evidence-based data and clear documentation of improved medical outcomes should help overcome barriers to use of laboratory data by clinical dietitians.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Dietary factors and cancer risk.

OBJECTIVES: To discuss the relationship between dietary factors and cancer risk reduction, the status of prevention trials in progress, and current dietary recommendations. DATA SOURCES: Published research and review articles, medical books, and web sites. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence indicates that dietary factors can reduce the risk of developing cancer. The dietary recommendations for cancer risk reduction are consistent with those for prevention of other chronic diseases and are thus useful for the majority of the population. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: In their role as educators, it is essential for nurses to provide accurate and timely information on diet and cancer risk reduction to their patients and the public and to encourage compliance with dietary recommendations.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗
PubMed1994

An outcome evaluation of a food bank program.

Nonprofit organizations such as the Food Bank of Delaware rely heavily on contributions as they strive to create a hunger-free society. To demonstrate to donors and the public at large the positive difference made by the Food Bank of Delaware, we developed an outcome evaluation method that would measure success in terms other than the amount of food distributed. A detailed list of foods available for 1 month was evaluated item by item in terms of the US Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid. From this list, we calculated the number of people who could potentially be provided with the minimum recommended number of servings per day for each food group. The highest amount of food distributed was from the Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta Group; food items from this group could potentially meet recommended servings for more than 6,000 persons a day. The food bank distributed the least amount of food from the Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese Group. Food bank programs can use outcome evaluations to demonstrate to contributors and product providers the potential impact of the program and the qualitative and quantitative use of their donations. Results also identify areas for nutrition education and improved menu planning for the provider organizations who distribute these foods.

Delaware↗
PubMed1993

Nutrition screening practices in adult day care centers: a national survey.

Older adults have been identified as one of the largest groups at risk of malnutrition in America and represent the target population of the Nutrition Screening Initiative. At the University of Delaware Adult Day Care Center, nutrition screening is an integral component of basic services provided to clients and their caregivers. To determine the extent of current nutrition screening practices in other adult day care centers, centers across the United States were surveyed. A total of 160 centers (53%) responded; 101 indicated nutrition screening was an on-going service. A number of differences and similarities in nutrition screening parameters was evident. Most centers responding assessed the following parameters: food intolerance, medical history, weight, height, swallowing difficulties, and bowel habits. Hematological parameters and other anthropometric measurements were evaluated with least frequency. Interest in nutrition screening appeared great. Further research should examine relationships between nutrition screening and other factors such as staffing patterns, center settings, and funding sources.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Food commercials during television soap operas: what is the nutrition message?

Studies have examined food commercials appearing during daytime, prime time, and Saturday morning programming; none have evaluated commercials aired during soap operas. The purposes of this study were to examine the dietary composition of food products advertised during soap operas and the health and nutrition claims made on their behalf, using current dietary recommendations as a basis of evaluation. A total of 508 commercials videotaped during the top nine daytime serials for five consecutive days, were for food or beverage products. Most foods advertised were rated low in sugar, fat, sodium, and dietary fiber, and health and/or nutrition appeals occurred frequently. However, of the foods advertised as "low cholesterol," 77% were high in fat. Similarly, those foods advertised as low in saturated fat were high in total fat content. Forty-three percent of the food commercials promoting nutrition were for items such as flavored drinks with little nutrient value. Generally, the nutrition messages conveyed in these commercials supported current dietary recommendations, but the way in which the food products were promoted was often inconsistent and confusing, particularly in the area of fat. Nutrition educators need to address these inconsistencies when assisting consumers in interpreting television food advertising messages.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Journal reading habits of dietitians.

Professional journals are an important resource for continuing education. To explore the journal reading habits of registered dietitians (RDs), we mailed a questionnaire to all RDs in the state of Delaware. Responses were received from 71 RDs (47%) who identified 44 professional journals they rely on for current, practical information. RDs who have journals available at work tend to devote more time to reading at work than at home. The Journal of The American Dietetic Association was clearly the professional journal read with most regularity by respondents. Articles of practical interest, followed by abstracts and book reviews, were sections most widely read. Lack of time was the primary reason RDs identified for not devoting adequate time to reading. Many attempted to resolve this problem through reliance on newsletters and less involvement with journal articles. Suggestions for improving and maximizing journal reading habits are offered.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Nutrition and cancer prevention knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practices: the 1987 National Health Interview Survey.

This article examines the nutrition and cancer prevention knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and self-reported dietary changes of a US national probability sample. The data were drawn from the Cancer Control Supplement of the 1987 National Health Interview Survey, which was answered by 22,043 adults. Thirty-five percent of the sample reported that they had made dietary changes in the past 1 to 5 years for health reasons. Respondents reported eating more vegetables, fruit, lower-fat meats, and whole grains/fiber and less high-fat meats, fats, sweets/snacks, salty foods, refined grain products, alcohol, and dairy products. Those who did not make any dietary changes most often said the reason was that they enjoyed the food they were presently eating and did not want to make any changes. More than 90% of the sample agreed that diet and disease were related and 73% knew that diet and cancer were related, yet 44% believed there was nothing a person could do to reduce the risk of getting cancer or didn't know what could be done. In response to open-ended questions about foods that either increase or decrease cancer risk, vegetables, whole grains/fiber, fruit, and lower-fat meats were thought to decrease risk, and high-fat meats, fats, alcohol, sweets/snacks, and additives were thought to increase cancer risk. We found education and income levels to be the major demographic variables that have an impact on cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. People with lower incomes and at lower educational levels should be targeted for education about cancer risk reduction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Dietitians' beliefs about the importance of health promotion practices.

Registered dietitians throughout the state of Delaware (N = 146) were surveyed by mail to assess their beliefs about the importance of health promoting behaviors to the health of the average person. Respondents were instructed to rate each of 25 health promotion practices on a Likert scale. Results were compared with investigations of other health care providers. "Eating a balanced diet" was rated among the top five items. "Taking vitamin supplements" received the lowest mean rating. Results of the present study compared well with the beliefs of pharmacists and physicians. Ratings by other registered dietitians from an earlier study tended to be more conservative. Dietitians are supportive of health promotion and disease prevention. Their current role in health promotion activities needs further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Broadening students' perspectives on literature review.

Student dietitians, in our experience, have demonstrated a very narrow perspective in using professional literature. The limited scope of reference journals used and the lack of ability to critically review the literature and abstract the essentials of a study were identified as problem areas. An assignment designed to address those inadequacies was developed, implemented, and evaluated. Following scientific guidelines, 11 students from the coordinated program in dietetics each reviewed three to five non-nutrition-specific journals and abstracted all nutrition-related articles published for the current 16-month period. The resulting 339 abstracts were compiled and distributed to faculty and facility preceptors. Improvement was evident in students' ability to critically evaluate and abstract an article. Faculty members, facility preceptors, and students evaluated the project as being worthwhile.

Abstracting and Indexing↗