Abstract
Learning Outcome
To identify ways to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, improve nutrition, and enhance physical activity in an at risk population of overweight rural families.
Text
Overweight rural families participated in a qualitative study using a focus group methodology. Focus group questions explored nutrition and fitness issues and were designed to derive direction about potential nutrition and physical activity interventions. Sessions were analyzed for content, context, and general themes using the scissor and sort technique. The focus groups consisted of sixteen adults, thirteen women and three men. Twelve were African American, three were Caucasian, and one was Hispanic. All participants had an immediate family member who was overweight or obese and many had hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and/or eating disorders. The overweight and obese participants reported trouble controlling portion sizes, did not eat fresh vegetables and fruits daily, and consumed fast food several times a week because it was available, inexpensive, and saved time. They knew what to eat for a “healthy diet” but didn’t have the time to plan meals nor the “discipline” to stay on diets. Participants also reported that salads, fresh vegetables and fruits would spoil before being consumed and were too expensive to buy and then waste. They reported frequently craving or desiring foods high in fat, sugar, and/or salt content. They started exercise programs but couldn’t stick with them over time. Focus groups proved to be an effective means to elicit information from the target population. Participants reported they knew what they should do but they didn’t know how to do it. Tailored interventions and support systems for weight management are needed for success with this high risk population.
Presented on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at the Poster Session: Nutrition Assessment and Medical Nutrition Therapy
To identify ways to reduce cardiovascular risk factors, improve nutrition, and enhance physical activity in an at risk population of overweight rural families.
Text
Overweight rural families participated in a qualitative study using a focus group methodology. Focus group questions explored nutrition and fitness issues and were designed to derive direction about potential nutrition and physical activity interventions. Sessions were analyzed for content, context, and general themes using the scissor and sort technique. The focus groups consisted of sixteen adults, thirteen women and three men. Twelve were African American, three were Caucasian, and one was Hispanic. All participants had an immediate family member who was overweight or obese and many had hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and/or eating disorders. The overweight and obese participants reported trouble controlling portion sizes, did not eat fresh vegetables and fruits daily, and consumed fast food several times a week because it was available, inexpensive, and saved time. They knew what to eat for a “healthy diet” but didn’t have the time to plan meals nor the “discipline” to stay on diets. Participants also reported that salads, fresh vegetables and fruits would spoil before being consumed and were too expensive to buy and then waste. They reported frequently craving or desiring foods high in fat, sugar, and/or salt content. They started exercise programs but couldn’t stick with them over time. Focus groups proved to be an effective means to elicit information from the target population. Participants reported they knew what they should do but they didn’t know how to do it. Tailored interventions and support systems for weight management are needed for success with this high risk population.
Presented on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at the Poster Session: Nutrition Assessment and Medical Nutrition Therapy
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 31 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Journal of The American Dietetic Association |
| Volume | 105 |
| Issue number | 8 suppl |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 2005 |
| Event | American Dietetic Association Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo - St. Louis, United States Duration: Oct 22 2005 → Oct 25 2005 |
Disciplines
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Pathology