Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Food insecurity is associated with lower produce intake.Consumption of produce (vegetables and fruit) high in antioxidants may reduce risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical dysplasia.This study was designed to examine the differences in HPV status by food security status; differences in risky sexual behaviors by food security status; differences in produce intake/behaviors by food security status; differences in produce intake/behaviors by HPV status; and the association of produce intake/behaviors and food security, adjusted for demographic confounders including the HPV status among women in rural Appalachia who were attending a clinic for gynecological care.Females who were English speaking and writing, 21 years and older, and attending a health clinic for cervical screening/testing (includes Papanicolaou [Pap] test, HPV test, and/or colposcopy) were recruited.A survey including questions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture household adult food security module, validated produce intake and behavior-related questions, and Community Awareness Resources and Education (CARE) Risky Sexual Behavior Index was used.HPV results were obtained from the clinic.Participants (n = 153) (HPV negative, n = 139 [91.4%];HPV positive, n = 13 [8.6%])were 29 ± 8 years and primarily White/Non-Hispanic (n = 144, 94.1%).For I am greatly thankful to Dr. David Holben, my academic advisor and research director, for the continuous support, guidance, and encouragement he gave to me during my studies at Ohio University.Under his guidance, I was able to open up to new fields that I believe directed me to my future career path.Also, I wish to convey my hearty appreciation to Dr. Alexander Sergeev who provided me with theoretical academic explanations to carry out a proper research work.I would like to thank Ms. Jennifer Yoder for the time, direction, and suggestions she gave to help me to produce a quality research project.Without their support, this task would have been a distant reality.Finally, I wish to thank Dr. Jody Gerome for the immense
Author: Sumali S. Hewage
Institution: Ohio University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2620600321