Ensuring sustainability in poultry production is complex and requires a multifaceted approach that considers human health and food security, bird health, the environment, and society. Consumers are critical stakeholders, yet their growing disconnection from agriculture production practices complicates efforts to achieve more sustainable systems. This study aims to gain insights into consumers' attitudes toward poultry and perceptions of contemporary production methods. Exploration of consumer perspectives would offer valuable insights that could educate producers on the priorities of the target market and make informed decisions about embracing practices to increase the sustainability of their operations. In this context, eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 54 multicultural participants who consume chicken and reside in Minnesota, USA. The major themes that emerged from the FGDs include (1) purchasing and consumption habits, (2) concerns regarding production methods, (3) the impact of social, religious, and cultural factors, (4) familiarity with poultry production practices, and (5) the importance of educating consumers. The study revealed that convenience, affordability, and health benefits are positive drivers of poultry consumption. While participants exhibited a greater preference for the flavor of dark (leg and thigh) meat, they often chose breast meat for its ease of preparation and perceived health benefits. Concern for human health tended to take precedence over ethical claims associated with animal welfare. Furthermore, misconceptions emerging from skepticism and unfamiliarity with regulations and the labeling of poultry products may deter the acceptability of higher costs. Many participants identified knowledge gaps and sought science-based information from reliable sources. They conveyed the necessity of outreach and education for consumers in more engaging and accessible forms of communication. The well-established reputation of poultry as a healthy, convenient, and affordable source of protein is the main driver for its consumption. Learning the attributes they believe are significant and underlying motivations or obstacles to consumption can be beneficial in developing effective strategies to promote the adoption of sustainable practices. Enhancing consumer understanding of sustainable poultry production could influence their acceptance and readiness to absorb the additional costs associated with it.

Problematic eating behaviors such as overeating and loss of control over consumption can lead to obesity. Problematic eating behaviors among women of differing body mass indexes were explored through focus group methodology, the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS), and a taste test in a sample of low-income African American women (n = 45). Women who were overweight or obese (W-O/O) reported more problematic eating behaviors including eating in the absence of hunger, frequent overeating, and increased food thoughts than women who were lean or normal weight (W-L/N). The W-O/O appear to possess more problematic eating behaviors than W-L/N.

Objectives Pediatric obesity is complicated by many factors including psychological issues, such as body dissatisfaction. Body image assessment tools are used with children to measure their acceptance of their body shape or image. Limited research has been conducted with African American and American Indian children to understand their opinions on assessment tools created. This study investigated: (a) children’s perception about body image and (b) differences between two body image instruments among low-income, multi-ethnic children. Methods This study uses mixed methodology including focus groups (qualitative) and body image assessment instruments (quantitative). Fifty-one children participated (25 girls, 26 boys); 53% of children identified as African American and 47% as American Indian. The average age was 10.4 years. Open coding methods were used by identify themes from focus group data. SPSS was used for quantitative analysis. Results Children preferred the Figure Rating Scale (FRS/silhouette) instrument over the Children’s Body Image Scale (CBIS/photo) because their body parts and facial features were more detailed. Children formed their body image perception with influence from their parents and the media. Children verbalized that they have experienced negative consequences related to poor body image including disordered eating habits, depression, and bullying. Healthy weight children are also aware of weight-related bullying that obese and overweight children face. Conclusions for Practice Children prefer that the images on a body image assessment tool have detailed facial features and are clothed. Further research into body image assessment tools for use with African American and American Indian children is needed.

OBJECTIVES:This study explored the accuracy of self-reported heights and weights and factors associated with self-reported bias in a diverse American sample.METHODS:Demographic, self-reported, and measured height and weight data from different studies with the same PI were compiled into one SPSS file and analyzed with paired t-tests to detect differences between self-reported and actual values. Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by pairwise t-tests detected differences among age, ethnicity, sex, income, and education. Stepwise regression analyses were done using anthropometric differences as the dependent variable and age category, sex, and ethnicity as independent variables to explore which variable was most predictive of anthropometric differences.RESULTS:Individuals over-reported height and under-reported weight leading to an under-calculated BMI from self-reported height and weight by 0.6-1 kg/m2 . These under-calculations of BMI led to misclassifications of obesity by 3, 6, 8, and 4% for African American, Euro-American, Native American women, and total women, and by 5, 6, 8, and 8% by African American, Euro-American, Native American men, and total men. Older individuals and males over-reported height more than younger individuals and females. African American females over-reported height to a lesser extent than other ethnicities. Asian males over-reported height to a lesser extent than other ethnicities.CONCLUSIONS:Self-reported heights and weights lead to invalid results. Most individuals over-report height and under-report weight, resulting in an inaccurate underweight and obesity prevalence. Being misclassified into the incorrect BMI category could result in inappropriate healthcare treatment. Age, ethnicity, and sex appear to influence the misreporting of height and weight.

Low-income children are at increased risk for obesity and have low levels of physical activity. The objective of this study was to use qualitative methodology to understand low-income, urban children's beliefs about physical activity. Children (n = 52) who were 8-12 years old and lived in an urban, low-income household participated in 8 focus groups. Children were predominantly Native American or African American. Focus group questions were based on the social cognitive theory. Open coding methods were used for focus group analysis. Three major themes were identified: (1) community programs and school impact physical activity, (2) physical environment effects activity level, and (3) social factors influence physical activity. Changes at the policy level should be considered to improve accessibility to safe venues for physical activity, such as recreation centers and community programs.

Background Sustainable agriculture encompasses economic, environmental, and social aspects of the food system. Members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) play an important role in promoting sustainable agriculture because they work in areas where they can influence the food purchasing decisions of foodservice operations and the public.Objective To investigate behavior of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) toward incorporating sustainable agriculture principles into professional practice using the Theory of Planned Behavior.Design This cross-sectional study surveyed RDNs nationwide about their perspectives on incorporating sustainable agriculture issues into practice. The survey questions were based on a survey originally administered to Minnesota RDNs during 2002.Participants and setting The sample (N=626) was drawn from a randomly selected, national sample of Academy members.Statistical analyses performed Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t tests, Pearson correlations, and stepwise regression.Results The sample was mostly white, female, and the average age was 45.4 +/- 12.2 years. Almost half of Academy RDNs (47%) reported incorporating environmental issues into their practice. All four Theory of Planned Behavior variables (intention, attitude, perceived behavior control, and subjective norm),were predictive of behavior to include sustainable agriculture issues into practice. Barriers to incorporating this topic into practice included lack of knowledge, ability, time, and employer support.Conclusions This study found that most of the RDN respondents had heard of sustainable agriculture and nearly half reported including this topic in their professional practice. To integrate this topic into practice more consistently, RDNs need more knowledge, time, and employer support.

Objective: Investigate food choice, food access, and food insecurity among seniors.Methods: Eight focus groups were conducted in 2 counties with high and low Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation rates. A total of 62 seniors (aged >= 60 years) were recruited and each attended 1 focus group at a community center. The sample was 79% female and most were Caucasian (91%), similar to state demographics. The focus group themes of how seniors make food choices and access food, and food insecurity perceptions among this population were identified based on discussion commonalities. For quantitative data, P < .05 was significant.Results: Five themes emerged: (1) former experiences affecting eating behaviors; (2) financial and food security driving use of food assistance programs; (3) food access strategies: restaurants, retail markets, and alternative sources; (4) physical changes associated with aging influencing food access and intake; and (5) social influences that play a role in decision making.Conclusions and Implications: Both SNAP and congregate dining offer food assistance to seniors, but SNAP use was considered unacceptable by some seniors living in county 1 because of the negative stigma attached to the program or because they lacked program knowledge about income criteria. More effort needs to be made to educate seniors about SNAP. It is important to gain insight into how food insecurity affects their food choices.

Objectives The purpose of this research was to have ethnically diverse, 9- to 13-year-olds who live in urban, low-income households use Photovoice to represent their physical activity practices and their perception of their physical activity environment. Methods Photovoice methodology was used to allow children to capture their physical activity habits and environment through photographs and interviews. The Social Cognitive Theory was used as the theoretical framework. Heights and weights were taken for all children and BMI was calculated. Photographs were analyzed by recording the content of usable photos in SPSS software. Qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts used the open coding method. Results Participants were 24 children (15 male, 9 female) living in inner city, low-income households. On average, children were 10.9 years old and the mean BMI-for-age percentile was 72 %. Children took a total of 377 pictures and 339 of these were usable. Three themes were identified across interviews and photographs, (a) types of activity, (b) social environment, and (c) physical environment where activity took place. Conclusions for Practice This study provides insight into low-income, urban children’s physical activity habits and environment using a novel approach. Potential ways to increase moderate to high intensity activity among this population are to involve church-based organizations, create more safe places to play by increasing green space in urban areas, and to provide financial support for after-school programs and community centers.

Focus groups (n = 7) were conducted with Chinese students (n = 43) studying in the USA to determine how acculturation and environmental factors influence dietary behavior and body mass index (BMI). This study used mixed methodology, collecting both qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (24-h dietary recalls, food adoption scores, degree of acculturation, and height and weight measures) data. Themes emerging from focus group discussions were: a) dietary and social acculturation, b) factors influencing food intake, c) cultural importance of food, and d) changes in weight and BMI status. Environmental, behavioral, and cultural factors appear to have impacted the eating behaviors of the students. Because of the nature of the study, self-reported heights and weights were used to calculate BMI while living in China and actual heights and weights were taken for each student at the focus group to calculate current BMI after living in the USA. The majority of Chinese students (69% males; 85% females) experienced weight gain, resulting in an increased BMI based on weight/height data and as reported in focus group discussions. As a result, if students continue to gain weight, they may be at higher risk of developing chronic diseases in the future. Further, implemented dietary change may be transferred to other family members if students return to China. Results suggest that nutrition education should be provided to incoming foreign students during their orientation.

Both depression and obesity are prevalent among low-income, food insecure women. Though a causal relationship between depression and obesity has been suggested, research has not extensively investigated dietary intake and eating behavior attributes in relation to depression in low-income women. This study examined symptoms of depression in a cross-sectional group of urban, low-income women (n = 330) and the relationship to food insecurity, dietary intake, weight status, and emotional eating. Results showed that depressed women were more food insecure, had higher caloric intake, and consumed more servings of discretionary foods, such as fat and sugar, which appeared to be partially mediated through the increased emotional eating among depressed participants and may contribute to increased weight overtime.

OBJECTIVE:To pilot Photovoice methodology with low-income, urban 9- to 13-year-olds to gain insight about their food environment and to determine whether this methodology was engaging and acceptable to them.METHODS:Photovoice methodology was used to allow children to represent their food environment. Twenty male and 9 female, low-income, 9- to 13-year-old children participated. Quantitative photograph analysis included quantity taken and usable internal/external and social environment and healthfulness categorizations. Qualitative analysis was conducted through open coding of interview transcripts.RESULTS:A total of 345 usable photos were taken by the children (n = 29), depicting both healthy and unhealthy foods. Four themes were identified (1) food characteristics; (2) social environment; (3) kitchen, cooking, and dining environments; and (4) food insecurity. Unhealthy food was most readily available to children. Children reported a lack of functioning kitchen equipment and multiple physical and environmental challenges to consuming a healthy diet. Food insecurity was prevalent. Food stamps and food pantries were used to fill gaps in the home food supply.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:Photovoice can be effective in engaging children in conversation about their food environment and increases understanding of their experiences with food. Photovoice can provide insight into the household food environments. This information can be used to tailor interventions to better reflect the living environment and eating behaviors in low-income populations.

Pediatric obesity is a major public health concern. To investigate factors that influence children's dietary habits and beliefs, focus groups were conducted with 8- to 13-year-olds (n = 52) in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Four major themes emerged: (1) health beliefs, (2) food characteristics, (3) cooking ability, and (4) mealtime practices. These results support incorporating cooking education into children's educational experiences to increase acceptability of healthy foods. Interventions geared toward children should integrate their perspectives, health beliefs, and factors affecting food choice. These data provide support for parents, social programs, and schools to increase their role in promoting children's health.

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. October 2013. Major: Nutrition. Advisor: Chery Smith. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 186 pages.

This project investigated influences (environmental, personal, and behavioral) on body mass index (BMI) and acculturation of Hmong children born in the United States (US) using the social cognitive theory as the theoretical framework. Using formative information from 12 child focus groups (n = 68) and a review of the literature, a quantitative survey was developed and administered to Hmong children (n = 300) ≥ 9 ≤ 18 years-old. Heights, weights, and acculturation level were measured. B-US1 were raised in the US and 9–13 years-old (n = 144) and B-US2 were raised in the US and 14–18 years-old (n = 156). Approximately 50 % of children were classified as overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 85th percentile). Across age and gender sub-groups, questions from the environmental construct appeared to be the most predictive of variances in BMI percentiles (50–60 %). In contrast, acculturation scores were equally predicted by environmental, behavioral, and personal constructs for age and gender sub-groups. Sum acculturation score was significantly higher for B-US2 compared to B-US1, with B-US2 being more acculturated in language use and thought, overall dietary acculturation, and foods eaten at lunch. The high prevalence of obesity in Hmong children suggests that future studies investigate factors influencing obesity to identify the most effective method to reduce/prevent this problem. In particular, acculturation level of the child should be assessed to determine changed dietary behavior and possible risk for obesity.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to characterize western food adopters among Nepalese women and to investigate whether caste and class play an important role as a barrier to food adoption, thus limiting access to the globalizing market. It was hypothesized that women who consumed and prepared above average amounts of western foods would be taller and heavier.MethodsA convenience sample of 508 Nepalese women of mixed castes, 18–60 years, was purposefully recruited. A Food Adoption Instrument was developed, tested, and used to assess the consumption of western foods. Women were grouped as western food adopters (≥12.5)—those consuming equal or more western food than Nepalese foods and western food non‐adopters (≤12.5). Using student t‐tests, sample characteristics and body mass index (BMI) were compared between western food adopters and non‐western food adopters.ResultsNearly a quarter of the women identified as western food adopters (n = 118) and 76% identified as western food non‐adopters (n = 399). Using student t‐test analysis, stepwise regression, and Pearson correlation analyses, it was found that western food adopters were significantly younger (P < 0.000), better educated (P < 0.000), had fewer children (P < 0.003), had higher incomes (P < 0.000), and watched more TV (P < 0.000) than western food non‐adopters. They were taller and had lower BMIs than their western food non‐adopter counterparts. Caste was also associated with western food adoption.ConclusionsLack of education and low paying jobs appear to prevent access to the globalizing food system, suggesting that the centuries old sociopolitical and caste infrastructure indirectly prevents western food adoption for those failing to achieve financial security. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:205–214, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.