An assessment of female freshman students' nutrition education needs at the University of Montana
Year: 2006
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional needs of female freshman residing in residence halls at The University of Montana, and then to use themes developed from that qualitative data to create a framework for future nutrition education workshops.Four focus groups and seven key informant interviews were conducted to gather data about the target population's nutritional knowledge, skill level and capacity, and motivation to change dietary behaviors.An additional goal of this study was to identify current nutrition-related service providers on campus and then to determine the level of awareness and usage of those resources by students.All focus group and interview sessions were tape-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative methodology.The analysis of focus group discussions, interviews, and literature revealed several themes relating to nutrition.The top identified dietary behaviors of concern were (a) skipping breakfast, (b) not consuming enough fruits and vegetables, (c) not consuming enough protein, (d) eating an excess of high fat and 'junk foods', and (e) increased snacking.The target population identified a need for education in all of these areas, with informational and behavioral skills components.Additionally, they expressed feeling a lack of support from service providers on campus, as they had yet to receive any type o f nutrition information, education, or other outreach since being at college.Because a myriad o f predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors were found to influence the problematic dietary behaviors, a variety of strategies were developed to address those factors.Strategy recommendations were based upon behavioral theory and focused on providing information and skills training through interactive, hands-on approaches.The activities were also designed to increase a perception of support from fellow peers and service providers on campus as well.The strategies recommended as a result of this study are intended to guide future nutrition programming at The University o f Montana.The qualitative data gathered during this project supports the need for basic nutrition information and skills training for female freshman living in the dormitories.
Source: The Mathematics Enthusiast
Author: Kristin Sara Rohfleisch
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2468314895