Date of Award:

5-1996

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences

Department name when degree awarded

Nutrition and Food Sciences

Committee Chair(s)

Georgia Lauritzen

Committee

Georgia Lauritzen

Committee

Nedra Christensen

Committee

Gary Straquadine

Abstract

Lifestyle changes from traditional diet and activities to modem diets high in fat and sugar, and sedentary habits have increased inherited health risk for diabetes and obesity among Native American youth. Nutrition education and physical activity programs have been recommended to help reduce health-risk factors. This study evaluated a summer nutrition education and fitness program for effectiveness in improving the dietary habits, nutrition knowledge, fitness level, and health status of American Indian children ages 9-14 living on or near the Uintah-Ouray Reservation in Uintah and Duchesne Counties of Eastern Utah.

A 6-week nutrition and fitness program was conducted through the Native American Diabetes Center in Ft. Duchesne, Utah for two consecutive years. The Cooperative Extension Service and Ute tribe also participated in program planning, organization, and support. Lessons were based on the USDA Food Guide Pyramid and emphasized making healthy food choices. The program included lessons on energy balance and the relationship of nutrition and diabetes and heart disease. Food preparation activities reinforced the message for healthy food choices. Fitness activities encouraged healthy lifestyles.

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of this nutrition education and fitness program demonstrated that such a program can improve nutrition knowledge and influence lifestyle habits. Analysis of diet histories indicated that vitamin and mineral intake was not the main concern for the study population, but rather excess calories and fat. Overall fitness did not improve during the program but there were individual improvements. No statistically significant impact on current health status was seen because of the relatively short duration of the program, but there is potential for long-term effects in both health and fitness. Evaluations reveal that both parents and children perceived improved nutrition knowledge and dietary habits. This program was successful in increasing awareness of healthy lifestyle choices. Some of these choices were implemented. Others were not adopted but may be at a later time. Nutrition education and fitness programs can influence knowledge and choices.

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