- Email: [email protected]
Food Safety Beliefs of Primary Food Handlers in Families With Young Children
S78 Oral Abstracts
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Volume 42, Number 4S, 2010
O13 (continued) Outcome Measures and Analysis: Energy-dense foods were categorized into SDFs and LDFs. The effect of the intervention on reducing SDF and LDF food consumption was expressed by relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: A lower proportion of toddlers from the intervention group compared with the control group received candy (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.98), soft drinks (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.99), honey (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.500.84), cookies (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71-0.89), chocolate (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86), salty snacks (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.97), LDF (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49-0.80), and SDF (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31-0.68) as a part of their diet. Conclusions and Implications: According to the data presented, we conclude that the dietary intervention was effective in reducing the consumption of energy-dense foods among toddlers. This project is funded by National Council of Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Capes Foundation, Ministry of Education (proc. number 2080/09-5).
O14 Emotional Motivators of Washington State WIC Mothers Zena Edwards, MS, RD, [email protected], Washington State University Extension, 4131 Mud Bay Road West, Olympia, WA 98502; Miriam Ballejos, PhD, RD, [email protected], Washington State University, 2606 West Pioneer, Puyallup, WA 98371; Amy Erickson, MS, RD, [email protected], Washington State University, WA Objective: This research used projective techniques from consumer marketing to investigate the underlying feelings, beliefs, and attitudes of WIC mothers regarding the use of a food thermometer when cooking hamburger patties. Design, Setting and Participants: A focus group discussion guide was developed using indirect yet structured activities or questions that allow individuals to ‘‘project’’ their emotions and beliefs onto something else. Four focus groups were conducted with 24 WIC mothers drawn from 3 counties in Washington State. Outcome Measures and Analysis: The 2-hour focus group sessions were conducted between October 2008 and July 2009. All sessions were tape recorded, transcribed, and then examined for recurring themes. Results: The theme of ‘‘living a good life’’ emerged as the hopes and dreams participants had for their families, including happiness, health, material success, peace from both chaos and worry, and positive relationships. Participants felt strongly that protecting their children was very important but felt that food thermometers were not as important as other child safety devices and that only an overprotective mother would use one. Some questioned the accuracy of food thermometers, relying on color, overcooking, or giving up eating hamburgers instead of using a food thermometer. Conclusions and Implications: Projective techniques are effective in providing insights into the motivations of WIC mothers. Thermometer campaign messages should
emphasize ‘‘good moms, loving and concerned mothers who care about their children, use food thermometers in hamburgers.’’ This project is funded by CSREES USDA Agreement No. 2007-51110-03820.
O15 Food Safety Beliefs of Primary Food Handlers in Families With Young Children Julie Albrecht, PhD, [email protected], University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, 119 Ruth Leverton Hall, Lincoln, NE 685830807; Rebecca Meysenburg, MS, [email protected], University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, 110 Ruth Leverton Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0807; Christina Perry, PhD, [email protected], University of New Mexico, Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, MSC04-2610 1, Albuquerque, NM 87131; Ruth Litchfield, PhD, litch@ iastate.edu, Iowa State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 1104 HNSB, Ames, IA 50011; Sam Beattie, PhD, [email protected], Iowa State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 2573 Food Science Building, Ames, IA 500111120; Carol Larvick, MS, [email protected], University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, 1505 Broadway, PO Box 129, Dakota City, NE 68731; Carol Schwarz, MS, [email protected], University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, 1400 East 34th Street, Kearney, NE 68847; Jan Temple, BS, [email protected], Iowa State University, 4-H Fairgrounds, 4265 Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast, Iowa City, IA 52246; Elizabeth Meimann, BS, [email protected], Iowa State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 2573 Food Science Building, Ames, IA 50011-1120 Objective: To identify perceived barriers and benefits to adopting food safety recommendations, risk perceptions toward foodborne illness, and self-efficacy in preventing foodborne illness. Design, Setting and Participants: Focus group questions were developed according to constructs of the Health Belief Model to identify perceived susceptibility and severity of foodborne illness, perceived benefits of and barriers to following safe food-handling practices, and self-efficacy to prevent foodborne illness. Face validity of the focus group question was established by 3 food safety experts. Ten focus group discussions were conducted with 72 participants who prepare meals for at least one child aged 10 years or younger. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and independently reviewed by 3 researchers to identify codes and themes. Researchers came together to identify and discuss thematic similarities and differences. Results: Mean age of participants was 36.2 8.6 years, with 87.5% women. Two overarching themes with 19 subthemes were identified throughout the focus groups. One theme was a general concern of parents and caregivers of young children in preventing foodborne illness. The second theme was self-efficacy in preventing foodborne Continued on page S79
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Volume 42, Number 4S, 2010 O15 (continued) illness was higher when the handling of food was in their personal control. Conclusions and Implications: The Health Belief Model helped to theoretically frame the study, structure focus group questions, and provide a framework to explain factors influencing food safety practices. Our findings suggest it is important to consider perceived susceptibility and severity of foodborne illness to influence food safety behaviors. Intervention strategies should increase perceived benefits of and reduce barriers to adopting safe food-handling practices. This project is funded by USDA Project 2008-51110-19237.
O16 Involving Students in Validation of a Nutrition Education Behavior Change Survey Annie Murphy, PhD, RD, [email protected], Healthy Kids Evaluation Services, 1771 Cherry Blossom Lane, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; Marci Scott, PhD, RD, mscott@ michiganfitness.org; Lorin Sheppard, PhD, lsheppard@ michiganfitness.org, Michigan Fitness Foundation, PO Box 27187, Lansing, MI 48909 Objective: To involve children in the validation of an evaluation tool for use in low-income elementary schools participating in a SNAP-Ed project. Use of Theory or Research: Evaluation instruments should be valid, reliable, and appropriate for the intended audience. Creation of tools includes identification of the purpose of the evaluation and target group for its use, identification of domains/constructs to be assessed, development of items to represent the constructs, expert review by professionals and students, identification of threats to validity and development of strategies for minimization, and determination of reliability/stability. Target Audience: Low-income students (grades 2-5). Description: A 22-item pre-and-post checklist was developed for use with students in grades 2 to 5. Checklist items assessed behaviors such as trying new foods, eating/liking fruits and vegetables, beverage consumption, hand washing, physical activity, and perceived knowledge of healthy eating. Evaluation was piloted as a paper/pencil individual survey and a whole-class interview, using a gamelike format. Evaluation: Interviews with students in 5 classrooms determined understandability of items and identified threats to validity. The tool was revised according to student input. A statement was added relating to confidentiality to encourage honesty; items that were not understood were reworded; the whole-class interview version was eliminated because of peer influence on answers and a posttest with retrospective pretest format was used instead of the preand-post format. Conclusions and Implications: Expert review of evaluations should involve children to determine understanding and to identify factors that interfere with honest responses so they can be minimized. This project is funded by USDA’s SNAP-Ed program by way of the Michigan Nutrition Network at the Michigan Fitness Foundation.
Oral Abstracts S79
O17 Development and Use of a Cafeteria Observation Form as a Brief Validation Measure of Child Recall Victoria Wallen, MS, [email protected]; Leslie Cunningham-Sabo, PhD, RD, [email protected]. edu, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, 241 Gifford Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1571; Anne Hanika-Ortiz, BA, [email protected], Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Suite 324, 625 Silver Street Southwest, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Objective: To develop and utilize a brief cafeteria observation form (COF) to validate the lunch section of a diet and activity recall, Day In the Life Questionnaire (DILQ). Design, Setting and Participants: The COF was adapted from previously tested cafeteria meal observation forms and consisted of lunchroom description, observation, and comments sections. Evaluators counted students’ fruit and vegetable choices from offered items as they exited the lunch line. After lunch, students completed the DILQ and self-reported what they ate for lunch and other meals and their activities in the previous 24 hours. Eleven schools (29 fourth-grade classrooms) participated. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Interobserver reliability of the COF was calculated, using percentage agreement, mean, and standard deviation from the mean. Fisher’s exact test was used to examine the significance of association at the classroom level between the COF and DILQ. Results: Percentage agreement between observers averaged 92.7% (SD 4.64%) for 15 cafeteria observations. Fisher’s exact test results comparing DILQ reports of lunch fruits and vegetables to cafeteria observation revealed no significant difference for 26 of 29 classrooms (P # .05). Conclusions and Implications: Interobserver reliability was strong, indicating the usability of the COF to validate a child self-report measure. The DILQ classroomlevel results generally matched cafeteria observation results, supporting the validity of the DILQ in measuring reported fruit and vegetable intake. This project is supported by USDA CSREES NRI 2007-05062.
O18 Body Image and Weight Control Behaviors of 80 Children From Public Schools in Puerto Rico (PR): Baseline Results From the Study: Using Community Based Participatory Research to Improve Health in Children Gloria Fidalgo-Cordova, PhD, [email protected], University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR, Call Box 9000, Mayaguez, PR 00681; Ann Macpherson Sanchez, EdD, Department of Agricultural Education, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez; Luisa Seijo-Maldonado, MSW, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez; Robinson Rodriguez-Perez, PhD, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez; Gladys Malave´-Martı´nez, MEd, Agricultural Extension Service, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Continued on page S80
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Volume 42, Number 4S, 2010
O13 (continued) Outcome Measures and Analysis: Energy-dense foods were categorized into SDFs and LDFs. The effect of the intervention on reducing SDF and LDF food consumption was expressed by relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: A lower proportion of toddlers from the intervention group compared with the control group received candy (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.98), soft drinks (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.99), honey (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.500.84), cookies (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71-0.89), chocolate (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.86), salty snacks (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.97), LDF (RR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.49-0.80), and SDF (RR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31-0.68) as a part of their diet. Conclusions and Implications: According to the data presented, we conclude that the dietary intervention was effective in reducing the consumption of energy-dense foods among toddlers. This project is funded by National Council of Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Capes Foundation, Ministry of Education (proc. number 2080/09-5).
O14 Emotional Motivators of Washington State WIC Mothers Zena Edwards, MS, RD, [email protected], Washington State University Extension, 4131 Mud Bay Road West, Olympia, WA 98502; Miriam Ballejos, PhD, RD, [email protected], Washington State University, 2606 West Pioneer, Puyallup, WA 98371; Amy Erickson, MS, RD, [email protected], Washington State University, WA Objective: This research used projective techniques from consumer marketing to investigate the underlying feelings, beliefs, and attitudes of WIC mothers regarding the use of a food thermometer when cooking hamburger patties. Design, Setting and Participants: A focus group discussion guide was developed using indirect yet structured activities or questions that allow individuals to ‘‘project’’ their emotions and beliefs onto something else. Four focus groups were conducted with 24 WIC mothers drawn from 3 counties in Washington State. Outcome Measures and Analysis: The 2-hour focus group sessions were conducted between October 2008 and July 2009. All sessions were tape recorded, transcribed, and then examined for recurring themes. Results: The theme of ‘‘living a good life’’ emerged as the hopes and dreams participants had for their families, including happiness, health, material success, peace from both chaos and worry, and positive relationships. Participants felt strongly that protecting their children was very important but felt that food thermometers were not as important as other child safety devices and that only an overprotective mother would use one. Some questioned the accuracy of food thermometers, relying on color, overcooking, or giving up eating hamburgers instead of using a food thermometer. Conclusions and Implications: Projective techniques are effective in providing insights into the motivations of WIC mothers. Thermometer campaign messages should
emphasize ‘‘good moms, loving and concerned mothers who care about their children, use food thermometers in hamburgers.’’ This project is funded by CSREES USDA Agreement No. 2007-51110-03820.
O15 Food Safety Beliefs of Primary Food Handlers in Families With Young Children Julie Albrecht, PhD, [email protected], University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, 119 Ruth Leverton Hall, Lincoln, NE 685830807; Rebecca Meysenburg, MS, [email protected], University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, 110 Ruth Leverton Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0807; Christina Perry, PhD, [email protected], University of New Mexico, Department of Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, MSC04-2610 1, Albuquerque, NM 87131; Ruth Litchfield, PhD, litch@ iastate.edu, Iowa State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 1104 HNSB, Ames, IA 50011; Sam Beattie, PhD, [email protected], Iowa State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 2573 Food Science Building, Ames, IA 500111120; Carol Larvick, MS, [email protected], University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, 1505 Broadway, PO Box 129, Dakota City, NE 68731; Carol Schwarz, MS, [email protected], University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, 1400 East 34th Street, Kearney, NE 68847; Jan Temple, BS, [email protected], Iowa State University, 4-H Fairgrounds, 4265 Oak Crest Hill Road Southeast, Iowa City, IA 52246; Elizabeth Meimann, BS, [email protected], Iowa State University, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 2573 Food Science Building, Ames, IA 50011-1120 Objective: To identify perceived barriers and benefits to adopting food safety recommendations, risk perceptions toward foodborne illness, and self-efficacy in preventing foodborne illness. Design, Setting and Participants: Focus group questions were developed according to constructs of the Health Belief Model to identify perceived susceptibility and severity of foodborne illness, perceived benefits of and barriers to following safe food-handling practices, and self-efficacy to prevent foodborne illness. Face validity of the focus group question was established by 3 food safety experts. Ten focus group discussions were conducted with 72 participants who prepare meals for at least one child aged 10 years or younger. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and independently reviewed by 3 researchers to identify codes and themes. Researchers came together to identify and discuss thematic similarities and differences. Results: Mean age of participants was 36.2 8.6 years, with 87.5% women. Two overarching themes with 19 subthemes were identified throughout the focus groups. One theme was a general concern of parents and caregivers of young children in preventing foodborne illness. The second theme was self-efficacy in preventing foodborne Continued on page S79
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Volume 42, Number 4S, 2010 O15 (continued) illness was higher when the handling of food was in their personal control. Conclusions and Implications: The Health Belief Model helped to theoretically frame the study, structure focus group questions, and provide a framework to explain factors influencing food safety practices. Our findings suggest it is important to consider perceived susceptibility and severity of foodborne illness to influence food safety behaviors. Intervention strategies should increase perceived benefits of and reduce barriers to adopting safe food-handling practices. This project is funded by USDA Project 2008-51110-19237.
O16 Involving Students in Validation of a Nutrition Education Behavior Change Survey Annie Murphy, PhD, RD, [email protected], Healthy Kids Evaluation Services, 1771 Cherry Blossom Lane, Suttons Bay, MI 49682; Marci Scott, PhD, RD, mscott@ michiganfitness.org; Lorin Sheppard, PhD, lsheppard@ michiganfitness.org, Michigan Fitness Foundation, PO Box 27187, Lansing, MI 48909 Objective: To involve children in the validation of an evaluation tool for use in low-income elementary schools participating in a SNAP-Ed project. Use of Theory or Research: Evaluation instruments should be valid, reliable, and appropriate for the intended audience. Creation of tools includes identification of the purpose of the evaluation and target group for its use, identification of domains/constructs to be assessed, development of items to represent the constructs, expert review by professionals and students, identification of threats to validity and development of strategies for minimization, and determination of reliability/stability. Target Audience: Low-income students (grades 2-5). Description: A 22-item pre-and-post checklist was developed for use with students in grades 2 to 5. Checklist items assessed behaviors such as trying new foods, eating/liking fruits and vegetables, beverage consumption, hand washing, physical activity, and perceived knowledge of healthy eating. Evaluation was piloted as a paper/pencil individual survey and a whole-class interview, using a gamelike format. Evaluation: Interviews with students in 5 classrooms determined understandability of items and identified threats to validity. The tool was revised according to student input. A statement was added relating to confidentiality to encourage honesty; items that were not understood were reworded; the whole-class interview version was eliminated because of peer influence on answers and a posttest with retrospective pretest format was used instead of the preand-post format. Conclusions and Implications: Expert review of evaluations should involve children to determine understanding and to identify factors that interfere with honest responses so they can be minimized. This project is funded by USDA’s SNAP-Ed program by way of the Michigan Nutrition Network at the Michigan Fitness Foundation.
Oral Abstracts S79
O17 Development and Use of a Cafeteria Observation Form as a Brief Validation Measure of Child Recall Victoria Wallen, MS, [email protected]; Leslie Cunningham-Sabo, PhD, RD, [email protected]. edu, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, 241 Gifford Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1571; Anne Hanika-Ortiz, BA, [email protected], Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Suite 324, 625 Silver Street Southwest, Albuquerque, NM 87102 Objective: To develop and utilize a brief cafeteria observation form (COF) to validate the lunch section of a diet and activity recall, Day In the Life Questionnaire (DILQ). Design, Setting and Participants: The COF was adapted from previously tested cafeteria meal observation forms and consisted of lunchroom description, observation, and comments sections. Evaluators counted students’ fruit and vegetable choices from offered items as they exited the lunch line. After lunch, students completed the DILQ and self-reported what they ate for lunch and other meals and their activities in the previous 24 hours. Eleven schools (29 fourth-grade classrooms) participated. Outcome Measures and Analysis: Interobserver reliability of the COF was calculated, using percentage agreement, mean, and standard deviation from the mean. Fisher’s exact test was used to examine the significance of association at the classroom level between the COF and DILQ. Results: Percentage agreement between observers averaged 92.7% (SD 4.64%) for 15 cafeteria observations. Fisher’s exact test results comparing DILQ reports of lunch fruits and vegetables to cafeteria observation revealed no significant difference for 26 of 29 classrooms (P # .05). Conclusions and Implications: Interobserver reliability was strong, indicating the usability of the COF to validate a child self-report measure. The DILQ classroomlevel results generally matched cafeteria observation results, supporting the validity of the DILQ in measuring reported fruit and vegetable intake. This project is supported by USDA CSREES NRI 2007-05062.
O18 Body Image and Weight Control Behaviors of 80 Children From Public Schools in Puerto Rico (PR): Baseline Results From the Study: Using Community Based Participatory Research to Improve Health in Children Gloria Fidalgo-Cordova, PhD, [email protected], University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR, Call Box 9000, Mayaguez, PR 00681; Ann Macpherson Sanchez, EdD, Department of Agricultural Education, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez; Luisa Seijo-Maldonado, MSW, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez; Robinson Rodriguez-Perez, PhD, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez; Gladys Malave´-Martı´nez, MEd, Agricultural Extension Service, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Continued on page S80