scholarly journals The Health and Housing Study: Nutrition-Related Outcomes Among Low- to Moderate-Income Individuals Living in or Seeking to Live in New Subsidized Chinatown-Based Housing

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 154-154
Author(s):  
Ana Maafs-Rodríguez ◽  
Jennifer Pustz ◽  
Mehreen Ismail ◽  
Laurie Goldman ◽  
Peter Levine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
California Health Interview Survey ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Housing Status ◽  
Funding Sources

Abstract Objectives Housing stability, food security and healthy eating are interrelated. In 2015, a housing lottery for newly developed subsidized housing in Chinatown, Boston, MA was held for low- and moderate- income families who were randomly selected from a waitlist. Four years later (19/20), our study explores the associations between housing status (living in the new subsidized building (NSB) or being on the lottery waitlist) and Food Insecurity (FI); use of food safety net programs (SN), defined as use of SNAP, WIC and/or food pantries; weekly fruit and vegetable consumption (FV); weekly soda consumption; and monthly fast food consumption (FF). Methods Questionnaire links were sent to NSB (n = 95) and waitlist (n = 2498) households. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between housing status and (1) FI (2-item screener) and (2) use of SN (self-reported use in the past year). Linear regression with robust standard error estimation was used to explore the association between housing status and weekly consumption of (1) FV, (2) soda, and (3) monthly consumption of FF, (assessed through health behavior questions from the California Health Interview Survey). Models were adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, household size, education, income, employment status and distance to grocery store. Results 138 respondents completed the survey; NSB = 36, waitlist = 102. The two housing status groups were demographically similar. Respondents in the NSB showed non-statistically significant lower odds of experiencing FI (OR 0.65, 95% CI [0.3, 1.6]) and of using SN (OR 0.45, 95% CI [0.1, 1.6]). Respondents in the NSB showed non-statistically significant higher weekly consumption of FV (β 2.03, 95% CI [−1.5, 5.6]); lower weekly consumption of soda (β −0.39, 95% CI [−1.9, 1.1]) and lower monthly consumption of FF (β −1.19, 95% CI [−3.9, 1.5]), when compared to respondents on the waitlist. Conclusions In this small sample, main outcomes were not significantly different. Dietary intakes among NSB residents were consistently positive compared to waitlist residents. Future studies should continue to explore mechanisms through which living in a NSB may impact nutrition and health outcomes. Funding Sources Tufts Collaborates Seed Grants. Conclusions do not represent any U.S. Department of Agriculture office or Government determination. This research was not part of MI's work at USDA.

scholarly journals The Implications of Food Insecurity at a HBCU (P04-086-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Thompson ◽  
Chimene Castor ◽  
Rajae Gayle ◽  
Allan Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Black College ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Housing Status ◽  
Food Security Status

Abstract Objectives The objectives of the study were: 1) to determine whether there is food insecurity among matriculating students attending a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), 2) to investigate the associations between food security status and the demographic characteristics (gender, classification, housing status) of students, 3) to examine the relationship of food security status to the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV), 4) to investigate the association of student food security status with overweight/obesity, and 5) to assess fast food consumption among food insecure students. Methods Five hundred Seventy undergrad and graduate students were recruited to participate in an online survey. The survey was voluntary and anonymous. Data were collected via a 20-item survey using Qualtrics, an online software program that allows its users to create and distribute survey instruments. The main survey questions were derived the Six-item United States Department of Agriculture-Adult Food Security Survey Module (USDA-AFSSM). The survey also included questions which measured: height and weight, daily fruit and vegetable consumption, fast food purchases and potential food pantry utilization. The remaining questions in the survey determined demographic characteristics which included gender, class, meal plan, and housing status. Results Data indicated 77.7% (405) of the sample had experienced some level of food insecurity over the last 12 months, whereas 116 (22.2%) were determined to be food secure. The prevalence of the four categories of food security status is shown in Figure 1. Food insecure students were significantly more likely to purchase fast foods two or more times a week and had significantly lower mean fruit and vegetable intakes than food secure students. Sophomores were least likely to be food secure (11.1%), while graduate/professional students were most likely to be food secure (37.6%). Students living on campus were found to be more likely to be food insecure. Conclusions The present study provides evidence of significant food insecurity. More fast food and decreased fruit and vegetable consumption was found among the food insecure vs food secure. Food security on college campuses bears further investigation. Funding Sources Howard University. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs

scholarly journals Residential Proximity And Its Impact On College Students’ Body Mass Index

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Karly Geller ◽  
Jessica Maureen Harris ◽  
Jennifer A. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
College Students ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Environmental Resources ◽  
Recreational Facility

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine if environmental accessibility to healthy resources was associated with college students’ corresponding health behaviors and body mass index (BMI). This study looked at college students’ proximity and distance to environmental influence, such as fitness centers and fast food restaurants in relation to their physical activity (PA), fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC), and BMI. Methods. A sample of 156 college students from a mid-western university completed the cross-sectional survey on proximity to campus-related environmental resources. Student addresses were used to calculate accessibility to healthy environmental resources, including proximity to the university recreational facility and local grocery store. Physical activity was calculated into metabolic equivalents (METs) and dietary behavior included measures of daily fruit and vegetable consumption and weekly fast food meals. Analysis. Linear regression was used to estimate differences in participants’ multiple health behavior and BMI based on proximity to certain environmental resources.Results. Of the 156 students who participated in the current study, 79% were female and 87% were White, Non-Hispanic, with a mean age of 20.13±1.91. No associations between behaviors and BMI were detected. Proximity to the campus recreational facility significantly predicted lower BMI (p=0.01); and distance to the community grocery store was associated with increased BMI (p=0.01). Conclusion. Findings suggested associations between proximity to environmental resources and participants’ BMI; however, this influence occurred outside the measured health behaviors. Longitudinal examinations are needed to determine the potential impact of resource proximity on changes in participants’ health behavior and BMI overtime. 

scholarly journals Associations between sedentary behaviours and dietary intakes among adolescents

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1115-1122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elly A Fletcher ◽  
Sarah A McNaughton ◽  
David Crawford ◽  
Verity Cleland ◽  
Jacqueline Della Gatta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screen Time ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Computer Use ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Fast Foods

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to examine associations of individual and aggregated screen-based behaviours, and total sitting time, with healthy and unhealthy dietary intakes among adolescents.DesignCross-sectional study of adolescents. Participants self-reported durations of television viewing, computer use, playing electronic games (e-games), total sitting time, daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and frequency of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), diet beverages, fast foods and discretionary snacks. Logistic regression models were conducted to identify associations of screen-based behaviours, total screen time and total sitting time with dietary intakes.SettingVictoria, Australia.SubjectsAdolescents (n 939) in School Year 11 (mean age 16·8 years).ResultsThe results showed that watching television (≥2 h/d) was positively associated with consuming SSB and diet beverages each week and consuming discretionary snacks at least once daily, whereas computer use (≥2 h/d) was inversely associated with daily fruit and vegetable intake and positively associated with weekly fast-food consumption. Playing e-games (any) was inversely associated with daily vegetable intake and positively associated with weekly SSB consumption. Total screen (≥2 h/d) and sitting (h/d) times were inversely associated with daily fruit and vegetable consumption, with total screen time also positively associated with daily discretionary snack consumption and weekly consumption of SSB and fast foods.ConclusionsIndividual and aggregated screen-based behaviours, as well as total sitting time, are associated with a number of indicators of healthy and unhealthy dietary intake. Future research should explore whether reducing recreational screen time improves adolescents’ diets.

scholarly journals Eating More Broccoli Doesn't Stop Bullets: Learning PSE Approaches from Decades of Community-led Food Justice Organizing (P04-168-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Porter
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Development ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food Policy ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Food Justice ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
School Food ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Funding Sources

Abstract Objectives While federal nutrition programs have just begun to allow some policy, systems and environmental (PSE) approaches, social movements for community food justice have been working for PSE change for decades. This presentation gleans lessons and examples for PSE approaches from their work. Methods Participatory research with community leaders in food justice work in US communities, including case studies over 7 years with 5 community-based food justice organizations, supplemented with literature and practice reviews. Results Food justice organizers begin with the end in mind, and their end is not behavior change or even food security, but community-led food systems that deliver equity and health. Their work is not evidence based, but ethics based and evidence informed. Their strategies do not center food, nor even food systems, but people and communities; e.g., they design food production strategies not to maximize vegetable yields (though these are still substantial), but to nourish leadership development, relationships, and dignity. Organizers invest heavily in networking, mentoring, and advocating activities. Any attention to individual behavior change outcomes, such as vegetable consumption, is forced by grantors; and though these organizations struggle financially, many pass up funding with such requirements. Starting in the 1970 s, food justice organizations and collaborations have emerged in thousands of US communities. Without any core funding or other infrastructure support, collectively they have secured national food policy changes such as WIC farmers market programs, community food project funding streams, and school food improvements. They have transformed community landscapes with gardens, farms, markets, cooperatives, and community kitchens by nurturing community leadership and power to reshape their own local physical, political and social environments. They have helped found food policy councils, to institutionalize these powers. This presentation will share practical PSE strategies. Conclusions 1) Those interested in PSE approaches to create public health nutrition and reduce health disparities can learn from expertise in this movement. 2) To change PSEs for these ends, a top investment priority should be supporting organizations who have been doing this work for decades. Funding Sources USDA/NIFA/AFRI & NIH.

A cross-cultural comparison of dietary intakes and physical activity between American and Czech school-aged children

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 986-990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenka Humenikova Shriver ◽  
Gail Gates
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The Usa ◽  
American Children

AbstractObjectiveThe prevalence of child overweight in the Czech Republic is substantially lower than that in the USA. The objective of the present pilot study was to explore dietary intakes, frequency of dining in fast-food establishments, and the amount and intensity of physical activity between a sample of American and Czech children.DesignA cross-sectional correlational pilot study.SettingFour public schools in the USA and four public schools in the Czech Republic.SubjectsNinety-five Czech and forty-four American 4–6th graders from urban public schools participated in the study. Dietary intake and number of fast-food visits were evaluated using two multiple-pass 24 h recalls. Physical activity was measured using the modified Self-Administered Physical Activity Checklist.ResultsAmerican children (mean age 10·8 (se 0·2) years) consumed more energy and fat, less fruits and vegetables, more soft drinks, and visited fast-food establishments more often than Czech children (mean age 11·0 (se 0·1) years). Although no differences were found in vigorous activity by nationality, Czech children spent significantly more time in moderate physical activities than American children.ConclusionsDespite the influx of some negative Western dietary trends into the country, Czech children had a healthier diet and were more physically active than American children. Further research is warranted to determine whether the same differences in dietary intakes, physical activity and fast-food visits exist between nationally representative samples of American and Czech children.

scholarly journals Local Retail Food Environment and Consumption of Fruit and Vegetable among Adults in Hong Kong

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Bo Huang
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Fruit Consumption ◽  
Retail Food Environment ◽  
Convenience Stores ◽  
Fast Food Restaurants ◽  
Retail Food

Outside of western countries, the study of the local food environment and evidence for its association with dietary behavior is limited. The aim of this paper was to examine the association between the local retail food environment and consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) among adults in Hong Kong. Local retail food environment was measured by density of different types of retail food outlets (grocery stores, convenience stores, and fast food restaurants) within a 1000 m Euclidean buffer around individual’s homes using a geographic information system (GIS). The Retail Food Environment Index (RFEI) was calculated based on the relative density of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores to grocery stores. Logistic regressions were performed to examine associations using cross-sectional data of 1977 adults (18 years or older). Overall, people living in an area with the highest RFEI (Q4, >5.76) had significantly greater odds of infrequent FV consumption (<7 days/week) after covariates adjustment (infrequent fruit consumption: OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.04–1.78; infrequent vegetable consumption: OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.11–2.68) in comparison to the lowest RFEI (Q1, <2.25). Highest density of fast food restaurants (Q4, >53) was also significantly associated with greater odds of infrequent fruit consumption (<7 days/week) (unadjusted model: OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.04–1.73), relative to lowest density of fast food restaurants (Q1, <13). No significant association of density of grocery stores or convenience stores was observed with infrequent FV consumption regardless of the covariates included in the model. Our results suggest that the ratio of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores to grocery stores near people’s home is an important environmental factor in meeting fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines. “Food swamps” (areas with an abundance of unhealthy foods) rather than “food deserts” (areas where there is limited access to healthy foods) seems to be more of a problem in Hong Kong’s urban areas. We advanced international literature by providing evidence in a non-western setting.

scholarly journals Environmental and Individual Predictors of Healthy Dietary Behaviors in a Sample of Middle Aged Hispanic and Caucasian Women

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Bowen ◽  
Jennifer Jabson ◽  
Wendy Barrington ◽  
Alyson Littman ◽  
Donald Patrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Urban Policy ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Hispanic Women ◽  
Dietary Behaviors ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Soft Drink Consumption ◽  
Caucasian Women

The objective of this effort is to gather data to tailor interventions appropriately. Greater understanding of the correlates of socioeconomic status and obesogenic dietary behaviors was the focus of this manuscript. Using multistage sampling, women with varied education levels completed a baseline assessment in a longitudinal study of women aged 30 to 50 years. This study was conducted in low-SES areas of South King County, Washington State. This study included 530 Caucasian and 510 Hispanic women. Fruit and vegetable consumption was positively associated and soft drink consumption inversely associated with the level of education in Caucasian women. In contrast, percentage calories from fat was positively associated with the level of education in Hispanic women. In Hispanic women, level of education interacted significantly with food security in relation to percentage calories from fat, and with eating norms in relation to soft drink consumption. Neighborhood presence of ethnic food stores was associated with outcomes for Hispanic women, but for Caucasians, presence of fast food restaurants was important. Education was consistently associated with two of the three obesogenic dietary behaviors studied among Caucasian women. Education played a moderating role in the associations of food security and eating norms, independent of area level food availability, in two of three obesogenic dietary behaviors studied. However, these patterns differed for Hispanic women, indicating the need for more research into important variables to support change in Hispanic women. Women of differing ethnic groups did not respond similarly to environmental conditions and policy-relevant surroundings. These data have meaning for considering urban policy that impacts obesity levels in the population.

Moderation by Neighborhood Food Outlets on Relationships between Meal Sources and Diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-308
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Thomson ◽  
Alicia S. Landry ◽  
Tameka I. Walls ◽  
Melissa H. Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Food Outlet ◽  
Added Sugars ◽  
Food Outlets ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Fast Food Restaurants

Objectives: In this study, we tested for moderation by neighborhood food outlet presence on relationships between food outlet shopping or meal sources and dietary intake. Methods: We used generalized linear models to analyze parent-adolescent (12-17 years) dyad data from the 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health and Eating. Questions included food outlet presence in home (parent) and school (adolescent) neighborhoods (yes or no), shopping at food outlets (parent) (never, rarely, sometimes, often or always), and sources of food consumed away from and at home (weekly frequency). We captured food and beverage intakes via a dietary screener. Results: Relationships between adolescent added sugar intake and scratch cooked evening meals and meals away from home were found only when grocery stores and fast food restaurants, respectively, were present in adolescents' school neighborhoods. Shopping at fruit and vegetable (FV) markets and scratch cooked evening meals were associated with the largest increases in parent and adolescent FV intakes, respectively. Meals away from home at convenience stores were associated with the largest increases in parent and adolescent intakes of added sugars. Conclusions: Neighborhood grocery store and fast food restaurant presence moderated relationships between meal sources and dietary intake only in adolescents.

Abstract 16520: Predictors of Thirty Day Readmission in a Vulnerable and Underserved Urban Heart Failure Population

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra B Steverson ◽  
Paul Marano ◽  
Caren Chen ◽  
Yifei Ma ◽  
Rachel Stern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Housing Status ◽  
Medical Comorbidities ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Safety Net Hospital ◽  
Icd 10

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) readmission quality metrics disproportionately impact reimbursement in safety net hospitals. Prior research has demonstrated the effect of medical comorbidities on readmission, however, there is a paucity of data on predictors of readmission in vulnerable and underserved HF patients. We sought to evaluate the effect of demographics, medical and social comorbidities on risk of 30 day readmission in an academic safety net hospital in San Francisco. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review from 2018 to 2020. Patients were included if treated for HF while on inpatient cardiology or medicine services and were assigned an ICD-10 discharge code for HF. Patients less than 21 years old were excluded. Demographics and comorbidities were obtained through evaluation of ICD-10 discharge codes and chart review. Multivariate modeling was used to determine predictors of 30 day readmission. Results: The study population included 383 patients in which the mean age was 60±13 years and 73% (n=282) were male. 44% (170) were Black, 23% (88) were Latinx, 33% (127) were not housed, 97% (371) had public insurance, and 21% (81) had a diagnosis of mental illness. 46% (177) had CAD, 76% (291) hypertension, and 36% (177) DM. Substance use was common with 30% (114) using methamphetamines, 36% (138) cocaine, 18% (69) opioids, and 35% (135) alcohol. On multi-variate analysis, EF less than 40% (75%, 285) was the only medical comorbidity associated with an increased risk of readmission (OR 1.86, 1.1-3.1, p= 0.018). Social variables associated with increased risk of readmission included identifying as Black (OR 2.26, 1.03-5.0, p= 0.043) or Latinx (OR 3.43, 1.41-7.59, p= 0.006), homelessness (OR 3.02, 1.76-5.18, p=<0.001), and specific substance use: methamphetamine (OR 2.23, 1.39-3.57, p=0.001), cocaine (OR 1.63, 1.03-2.57, p= 0.037), opioids (OR 1.81, 1.05-3.13, p= 0.033), and alcohol (OR 2.26, 1.43-3.58, p= 0.001). Conclusion: Race, housing status and substance use were more strongly associated with readmission risk than medical comorbidities in a population of urban, vulnerable and underserved HF patients. Interventions to improve HF readmission metrics should consider addressing racial and social disparities in similar populations.

scholarly journals Effect of Natural Vs. Synthetic α-tocopherol on Neurogenesis-Related Genes in Cerebella of Juvenile α-tocopherol Transfer Protein-Null Mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1060-1060
Author(s):  
Katherine Ranard ◽  
Matthew Kuchan ◽  
John Erdman
Keyword(s):  
Brain Development ◽  
Synaptic Function ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Transfer Protein ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Early Life Exposure ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Grant Program ◽  
Nutritional Sciences

Abstract Objectives Vitamin E (α-tocopherol, α-T) restriction during brain development alters the expression of neurogenesis-related genes in cerebella of juvenile α-tocopherol transfer protein-null (Ttpa−/−) mice. Synthetic α-T (SYN), compared to natural α-T (NAT), downregulates cerebellar myelin genes in adolescent Ttpa−/− mice. We studied how early-life exposure to SYN or NAT affects the expression of neurogenesis-related genes in juvenile Ttpa−/− mice. Methods Male and female Ttpa+/+ and Ttpa−/− mice were nursed by Ttpa+/−dams fed AIN-93G-based diets containing either SYN (∼816 mg α-T/kg diet) or NAT (∼600 mg α-T/kg diet). Homogenized brain tissues from 21 day old weanlings (n = 9/group) were used to measure total α-T concentrations via HPLC-PDA. The expression of genes critical for brain development (Rora, Shh), myelination (Plp1, Cntnap1, Mbp, Mobp, Nr1h3), and synaptic function (Cplx1, Necab1, Prkcg) were measured in the cerebellum via real-time qPCR. Results α-T concentrations were significantly lower in brains of Ttpa−/− mice (17.7 nmol/g) compared to Ttpa+/+ mice (37.5 nmol/g) (P &lt; 0.001). Exposure to SYN vs. NAT resulted in similar total α-T brain levels within each genotype (Ttpa−/−: 19.8 vs. 15.6 nmol/g; Ttpa+/+: 42.5 vs. 32.6 nmol/g). Consistent with previous studies, Necab1 was significantly downregulated in Ttpa−/− mice (P &lt; 0.05). The other selected neurogenesis-related genes were similarly expressed between all groups, regardless of genotype or dietary α-T source. Conclusions Brain α-T concentrations at weaning depended on the presence of Ttpa. α-T source did not modulate the selected neurogenesis genes, possibly because the natural and synthetic α-T diets each provided sufficient total α-T during development. Funding Sources Abbott Nutrition through the Center for Nutrition, Learning, and Memory (CNLM), Division of Nutritional Sciences Vision 20/20 Grant Program, and Division of Nutritional Sciences Margin of Excellence Research Program (all through the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign). KMR was supported by the AFRI NIFA Predoctoral Fellowships Grant Program (2019–67,011-29,514) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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