Abstracts
December 2006, Vol. 11, No. 2
ISSN 1540 5273
In-depth review of selected EFNEP curricula updated for the 2005 dietary guidelines and MyPyramid.
Kathryn Rogers, Ann Diker MS, RD, Patricia Kendall, PhD, RD, Susan Baker, EdD
Abstract
The release of Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 and development of the MyPyramid food guidance system rendered nutrition education materials based on previous guidelines out-of-date. Thus, education materials for community nutrition programs such as the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) needed to be revised or replaced, a process that also provided an opportunity to reassess curricula currently in use. The purpose of this project was to conduct an in-depth review of curricula from multiple states, either currently under revision or recently developed, for possible future use with adult EFNEP audiences. Seven curricula were selected for review. The peer-review process served as an effective method for identifying the appropriateness and accuracy of curricula for a specific target audience. Curricula are typically written by subject-matter experts, therefore, the content was found to be consistently accurate. However, many of the curricula reviewed could have been improved by deliberate efforts to incorporate additional adult learning principles. Full Text…
Clothing and Food Purchasing Trends Among U.S. Ethnic Groups: 1980 to 2003.
Diana Saiki, Ph.D., Jayanthi Kandiah, PH.D., R.D., C.D.
Abstract
Since 1980, the United States has become more diverse, and targeting ethnic minority audiences has become increasingly important (U.S. Census Bureau 2002). The purpose of this study is to update previous research that assessed food and clothing expenditures by minority groups in the United States using the1980-81 Consumer Expenditure Survey. Results from the 2003 Consumer Expenditure Survey revealed that Hispanic-Americans spent more money but not significantly differently for food at home than European-Americans while African-Americans spent significantly less on food away from home than European-Americans. When compared to European-Americans, Hispanic- and African-Americans spent more money on clothing. In conclusion, unlike the 1980-81 data, in which distinct differences in eating and clothing purchases were exhibited in minority groups, these differences were not significantly different in the 2003 data. This suggests that there has been an assimilation of minorities into mainstream America. Full Text…
Parents’ perceptions of family involvement and youth outcomes at an urban 4-H education center.
Theresa M. Ferrari, Ted G. Futris, Carol A. Smathers, Graham R. Cochran, Nate Arnett, Janel K. Digby
Abstract
Family involvement, a characteristic of high quality youth programs, is also associated with children’s academic achievement and overall healthy development. Supported by the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) New Communities Program, Adventure Central, an urban youth program in Dayton, Ohio, employed strategies to assess and address family needs and to foster sustainable family engagement. This study employed a multi-method strategy to identify parents’ (a) practices that support youths’ educational success; (b) barriers inhibiting involvement; (c) perceptions of support; (d) interests in educational programming, family involvement opportunities, and delivery method preferences; and (e) perceptions of youth outcomes. Results showed that parents currently engage in practices known to enhance educational success. Current practices at Adventure Central appear to be contributing to a safe and welcoming environment where parents feel that their child experiences a variety of educational and social benefits. The evolution of family programming at Adventure Central and implications for programs working to enhance family engagement are highlighted. Full Text…
Using recreation to teach family and consumer science concepts: an historical case study with implications for today.
Jan F. Scholl
Abstract
In 1917, English instructor Mignon Quaw was hired as a recreation specialist and an assistant state leader of home economics for the Montana Cooperative Extension Service. Miss Quaw created a variety of curricula that had educational and legislative impact in her state. This historical study documents her career within Extension and challenges the reader to consider the value of recreation in the development of family and consumer sciences programs. Full Text…
Targeting bankruptcy prevention programs to vulnerable census tracts
Lucy Delgadillo, Ph.D., Luke V. Erickson, Jean M. Lown, Ph.D.
Abstract
This study demonstrates that even though bankruptcy filings may be random events at the individual level, patterns emerge when filings are aggregated at the census tract level, and by metropolitan areas. Census tracts located in metropolitan areas are associated with higher bankruptcy rates. Some of the emergence of patterns can be explained by the economic and demographic conditions shared by neighboring residents including the unemployment rate, educational attainment of the labor force, percentage of female-headed households, prevalence of second mortgages, and other non-economic factors such as stigma and religious beliefs. The results have implications for Extension educators and outreach educational programming. Full Text…
A start to educating Head Start preschoolers on fruits and vegetables
Sheila Fleischhacker, Ph.D., J.D. Candidate, Katherine Cason, Ph.D., R.D., Cheryl Achterberg, Ph.D.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore a sample of inner-city Head Start preschoolers’ knowledge and current concepts of fruits and vegetables. The exploratory, theory-based, qualitative study included semi-structured interviews with preschoolers (n=24), along with observations of an inner-city Head Start center’s school day for eight months. Maps were used to qualitatively analyze and compare the preschoolers’ responses. The preschoolers’ mean score for accurately identifying the fruits and vegetables was 74 percent. The preschoolers who could respond to the interview questions discussed where, when, and how they ate fruits and vegetables; where fruits and vegetables came from; what fruits and vegetables could do for their bodies; and their preferences for fruits and vegetables. These results demonstrate that most of the preschoolers had very little understanding of fruits and vegetables or had misconceptions. If this data is validated by future research, then curriculum developers may want to elaborate on utilizing meals in childcare centers to expose preschoolers to fruits and vegetables while potentially increasing preschoolers’ preference and intake of them. This data also implies that using mealtime to increase preschoolers’ knowledge of fruits and vegetables may help their cognitive development. Full Text…
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