Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Jul 1, 2013
To conduct an outcome evaluation of Food, Health & Choices (curriculum) and Positively Healthful ... more To conduct an outcome evaluation of Food, Health & Choices (curriculum) and Positively Healthful Classrooms (wellness policy) on students' BMI, %BF, energy balance related food and activity behaviors, and theory-based mediators. Description: Twenty schools were randomized to 4 conditions: curriculum, wellness, curriculum and wellness, and delayed control. This year-long intervention with 5th graders was based on social cognitive and self-determination theories. Evaluation: To date, we have: validated instruments and protocols; tested ARS clickers; revised interventions based on formative data; and analyzed baseline data (n¼1420 students). Conclusions and Implications: Interim results are promising. If found effective in reducing childhood obesity, the interventions could be widely disseminated.
Abstract Background Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature... more Abstract Background Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature infants and promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium infantis, a predominant infant gut species. We hypothesized that bLf in combination with B. infantis would reduce the severity of systemic S. aureus infection. Objective The aim was to determine the effects of oral administration of bLf and B. infantis on the course of systemic S. aureus infection. Methods Colostrum-deprived piglets were fed formulas containing 4 g whey/L (CON group) or bLf (LF group). One-half of the piglets in each group were gavaged with B. infantis (109 colony-forming units/d), resulting in 2 additional groups (BI or COMB, respectively). On day 7, piglets were intravenously injected with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected preinfection and every 12 h postinfection for immune analyses. Tissue samples were collected on day 12 for analysis of bacterial abundance and gene expression. Results Preinfection, LF piglets had lower serum interleukin 10 (IL-10), a higher percentage of lymphocytes, and a lower percentage of neutrophils than BI or COMB piglets. After infection, dietary bLf increased piglet weight gain, reduced staphylococcal counts in the kidneys, and tended to lower staphylococcal counts in the lungs and heart. Dietary bLf also decreased kidney IL-10 and increased lung interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA. B. infantis increased splenic IFN-γ expression. Renal Toll-like receptor 2 was upregulated in BI piglets but not in COMB piglets. Postinfection, BI piglets had increased serum IL-10 and decreased memory T cell populations. LF and COMB piglets had fewer circulating monocytes and B cells than CON or BI piglets. Conclusions Dietary bLf and B. infantis produced independent and tissue-specific effects. Piglets fed bLf alone or in combination with B. infantis mounted a more effective immune response and exhibited lower bacterial abundance. This study provides biological underpinnings to the clinical benefits of bLf observed in preterm infants but does not support B. infantis administration during S. aureus infection.
Background: Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature infants... more Background: Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature infants and promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium infantis, a predominant infant gut species. We hypothesized that bLf in combination with B. infantis would reduce the severity of systemic S. aureus infection. Objective: The aim was to determine the effects of oral administration of bLf and B. infantis on the course of systemic S. aureus infection. Methods: Colostrum-deprived piglets were fed formulas containing 4 g whey/L (CON group) or bLf (LF group). One-half of the piglets in each group were gavaged with B. infantis (10 9 colony-forming units/d), resulting in 2 additional groups (BI or COMB, respectively). On day 7, piglets were intravenously injected with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected preinfection and every 12 h postinfection for immune analyses. Tissue samples were collected on day 12 for analysis of bacterial abundance and gene expression. Results: Preinfection, LF piglets had lower serum interleukin 10 (IL-10), a higher percentage of lymphocytes, and a lower percentage of neutrophils than BI or COMB piglets. After infection, dietary bLf increased piglet weight gain, reduced staphylococcal counts in the kidneys, and tended to lower staphylococcal counts in the lungs and heart. Dietary bLf also decreased kidney IL-10 and increased lung interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA. B. infantis increased splenic IFN-γ expression. Renal Toll-like receptor 2 was upregulated in BI piglets but not in COMB piglets. Postinfection, BI piglets had increased serum IL-10 and decreased memory T cell populations. LF and COMB piglets had fewer circulating monocytes and B cells than CON or BI piglets. Conclusions: Dietary bLf and B. infantis produced independent and tissue-specific effects. Piglets fed bLf alone or in combination with B. infantis mounted a more effective immune response and exhibited lower bacterial abundance. This study provides biological underpinnings to the clinical benefits of bLf observed in preterm infants but does not support B. infantis administration during S. aureus infection.
Children are often categorized as picky eaters by parents and caregivers for their rejection of f... more Children are often categorized as picky eaters by parents and caregivers for their rejection of foods, such as vegetables, and for exhibiting other difficult mealtime behaviors. However, there are several factors that contribute to these mealtime behaviors, including early feeding practices (i.e., breastfeeding, introduction to solid food), repeated exposure to novel foods, and genetic taste sensitivity to certain compounds. Using the online database of PubMed, a review of the literature on the development of picky eating in children, its outcomes, and intervention strategies was conducted. This review groups the developmental contributors to picky eating into the categories of nature and nurture and explores the interaction between the two. This paper will also summarize the potential outcomes of picky eating and the various strategies that are currently recommended to mitigate picky eating in young children. However, there is a lack of longitudinal work targeting consistent picky eating behaviors that have the potential to impact long-term food preferences and dietary variety. Future intervention strategies should address the factors that influence the development of picky eating on an individual level.
Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
ABSTRACT: Objectives: The first objective of this study was to determine how mother-infant sleep ... more ABSTRACT: Objectives: The first objective of this study was to determine how mother-infant sleep duration is related across the first 2 years of life. The second objective was to determine whether these relationships change across the first 2 years of life. The third objective was to understand demographic and health predictors of the relationship between maternal and child sleep. Methods: Parents of 464 infants from the STRONG Kids 2 study reported their own and infants' nocturnal sleep duration and other health information (i.e., breastfeeding) at 3, 12, 18, and 24 months postpartum. Results: Latent transition models revealed 2 mother-infant sleep profiles exist at 3 to 24 months. The low maternal sleep (LMS) pattern was characterized by lower maternal sleep duration than the recommended amount and lower infant sleep duration. The average maternal sleep (AMS) pattern was characterized by average maternal sleep duration meeting the recommended standard and average infant sleep ...
American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
The transcriptome of exfoliated epithelial cells in stool contain gene signatures from both small... more The transcriptome of exfoliated epithelial cells in stool contain gene signatures from both small and large intestinal mucosa affording a noninvasive approach to assess gut health and function.
Objectives Early childhood is characterized by stabilization of the gut microbiome and rapid matu... more Objectives Early childhood is characterized by stabilization of the gut microbiome and rapid maturation of executive functions (EF; cognitive flexibility [F]; inhibitory self-control [ISC]; emergent metacognition [EM]), which are vital to the regulation of goal-directed behaviors, academic and social success. While diet in school-aged children and gut microbial-derived volatile fatty acids (VFA) in rodent models are linked to EFs, few studies have explored these in early life among humans. The present study investigated the extent to which dietary patterns, fiber intake and fecal VFA predict EF at 24 mo. Methods Parents and 24-mo-old children (N = 291) were recruited from the STRONG Kids 2 cohort study. Parent reported surveys were used to assess EF (Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function for Preschoolers) and diet (Block Food Frequency Questionnaires). To derive dietary patterns, raw frequency responses for diet were used to create 23 food groups, which were input into p...
Low maternal attachment security is linked to unhealthy child eating behavior, and emergent evide... more Low maternal attachment security is linked to unhealthy child eating behavior, and emergent evidence suggests that mothers with higher attachment security are more likely to engage in responsive fe...
Breastfeeding exerts many health benefits for the infant and the benefit is affected by exclusivi... more Breastfeeding exerts many health benefits for the infant and the benefit is affected by exclusivity and duration, however, most mothers in the U.S. breastfeed for a shorter duration than recommended. First-time mothers who return to work outside the home, utilize childcare, and pump to continue to provide human milk, all of which have been found to reduce breastfeeding duration individually, represent a subset of breastfeeding mothers facing several known barriers to breastfeeding continuation and at risk for early breastfeeding cessation. The aim of this study is to understand and describe the perceptions of first-time mothers with prenatal intentions to breastfeed and utilize childcare, of paternal support for the breastfeeding experience. A semi-structured interview guided data collection with 24 first-time breastfeeding mothers and responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two main themes from mothers' experiences highlight the perceptions of first-time mothers, who had prenatal intentions to breastfeed and utilize childcare, were shaped by the actions, behaviors, and beliefs of their partners throughout the breastfeeding process, as well as illustrate both mothers and fathers lack knowledge of how to optimally involve fathers in breastfeeding. Our findings extend evidence for two existing models of father support to promote breastfeeding as relevant to mothers who return to work outside the home and utilize childcare, and additionally identify an area of support not included in either model. Early and improved education that situates breastfeeding within the co-parenting relationship and includes paternal support for pumping has the potential to improve mothers' breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding duration through mothers' return to work and infants' transition to childcare.
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Traditional doctoral programmes require students to gain in-depth knowledge in one subject area. ... more Traditional doctoral programmes require students to gain in-depth knowledge in one subject area. Transdisciplinary programmes aim to foster synthesis across disciplines and focus on translating research findings into real-world solutions, helping students to develop a professional disciplinary identity that is enhanced by multidisciplinary methods and theories. Anna-Sigrid Keck, Stephanie Sloane, Janet M. Liechty, Barbara H. Fiese, and Sharon M. Donovan designed a structured doctoral programme focused on transdisciplinary research and compared students’ publication patterns to students in traditional programmes. While rates of productivity were broadly similar, citation rates were found to be higher for transdisciplinary students, as were indicators of collaboration such as co-authorship.
Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: USDA's Food and Nutrition Service requires that PSE strategies... more Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: USDA's Food and Nutrition Service requires that PSE strategies, multi-level interventions that address underlying environmental and societal barriers, be integrated into SNAP-Ed plans to support healthy behavior change among the target audience. PSE strategies have the potential to reach more individuals and be more effective than nutrition education alone. Description: In 2015, Maine SNAP-Ed began delivering PSE strategies in nutrition education settings. In 2017, nutrition educators were required to select two PSE strategies from six predetermined options. Evaluation: Altarum, the external evaluator for Maine SNAP-Ed, conducted a process evaluation to assess educator ability to establish community partnerships and implement PSE strategies. Evaluation activities included interviews (n = 6) with SNAP-Ed administrators at the University of New England (UNE), interviews (n = 8) and webbased surveys (n = 18) with nutrition educators and local directors, and interviews (n = 11) with SNAP-Ed partners involved with PSE strategies. Conclusions and Implications: Maine SNAP-Ed administrators agreed that PSE strategies enhanced nutrition education efforts, helping the target audience to make healthy choices where they eat, live, learn, work, shop and play. Nutrition educators felt prepared (61%) to deliver PSE strategies due to previous experience and ongoing support from UNE administrators and local directors. Educators (90%) leveraged existing relationships to facilitate new partnerships to implement PSE strategies. Onethird of educators (33%) reported ease implementing PSE strategies, attributing success to strong partnerships. Most nutrition educators (79%) indicated that partners were supportive of PSE strategies although less than a quarter (22%) were confident that strategies will be maintained. Implications of this evaluation suggest that SNAP-Ed agencies can successfully deliver PSE strategies by leveraging community partnerships and providing ongoing support to nutrition educators; however, more research is needed to understand the sustainability of PSE strategies.
Addressing complex societal problems, such as childhood obesity, requires transdisciplinary (TD) ... more Addressing complex societal problems, such as childhood obesity, requires transdisciplinary (TD) approaches to reach effective solutions. However, TD doctoral training programs in academic settings are still relatively new, and little is known about the benefits and barriers of participation. This study sought to longitudinally assess benefits and barriers of a TD approach to doctoral education from the perspectives of students working towards a joint PhD/MPH degree and their faculty advisors. Results show that benefits across 5-years included greater collaboration and networking, enhanced guidance and support, broadened ways of thinking, and expanded opportunities. Barriers included time demands, complicated logistics, and tension between depth versus breadth of knowledge. Similarities and differences among students and faculty are discussed. Findings provide resources for both faculty and students considering involvement with TD doctoral education, as well as for institutions and ...
Conclusion: Study findings suggest sensory evaluation should be a part of any nutrition education... more Conclusion: Study findings suggest sensory evaluation should be a part of any nutrition education curriculum designed to improve diet quality through the introduction of new recipes and recipe modifications to promoted meaningful behavior change within the nation's most vulnerable populations. Funding: None.
Background: Dietary habits formed during the first 5 y of life portend lifelong eating patterns. ... more Background: Dietary habits formed during the first 5 y of life portend lifelong eating patterns. Objectives: The Synergistic Theory Research Obesity and Nutrition Group (STRONG) Kids 2 birth cohort study aimed to examine multilevel predictors of weight trajectories and dietary habits including individual biology, child socioemotional and behavioral characteristics, family environment, and child care environment over the first 5 y of life. This report describes recruitment strategies, an overview of survey measures, and basic descriptive statistics of the cohort. Methods: The cohort includes 468 mothers and their offspring. A brief survey was completed at a 1-wk home visit including child's birth weight, intent to breastfeed, collection of an infant stool sample, and additional contact information should the family move. Mothers completed surveys including diet, child temperament, family environment, and child care when their child was 6 wk, 3, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 mo of age. Height and weight of the mother and child were collected at each visit. Stool samples of the child were collected at each visit as well as saliva at 1 visit. Results: Close to half of the mothers were either overweight (24.2%) or obese (25.2%) prepregnancy. At 6 wk of age, 32.9% of the children were overweight and 31.4% were obese based on direct measurement. Conclusions: The STRONG Kids 2 research team has adopted a socioecological model that accounts for multiple influences on children's health including biological, child social and behavioral, family household organization, and community factors. The study is limited by a relatively educated and nondiverse sample. However, variations in maternal and child weight may inform future prevention programs and policy aimed at improving the diet and health of children under the age of 5 y. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03341858.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, Jul 1, 2013
To conduct an outcome evaluation of Food, Health & Choices (curriculum) and Positively Healthful ... more To conduct an outcome evaluation of Food, Health & Choices (curriculum) and Positively Healthful Classrooms (wellness policy) on students' BMI, %BF, energy balance related food and activity behaviors, and theory-based mediators. Description: Twenty schools were randomized to 4 conditions: curriculum, wellness, curriculum and wellness, and delayed control. This year-long intervention with 5th graders was based on social cognitive and self-determination theories. Evaluation: To date, we have: validated instruments and protocols; tested ARS clickers; revised interventions based on formative data; and analyzed baseline data (n¼1420 students). Conclusions and Implications: Interim results are promising. If found effective in reducing childhood obesity, the interventions could be widely disseminated.
Abstract Background Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature... more Abstract Background Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature infants and promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium infantis, a predominant infant gut species. We hypothesized that bLf in combination with B. infantis would reduce the severity of systemic S. aureus infection. Objective The aim was to determine the effects of oral administration of bLf and B. infantis on the course of systemic S. aureus infection. Methods Colostrum-deprived piglets were fed formulas containing 4 g whey/L (CON group) or bLf (LF group). One-half of the piglets in each group were gavaged with B. infantis (109 colony-forming units/d), resulting in 2 additional groups (BI or COMB, respectively). On day 7, piglets were intravenously injected with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected preinfection and every 12 h postinfection for immune analyses. Tissue samples were collected on day 12 for analysis of bacterial abundance and gene expression. Results Preinfection, LF piglets had lower serum interleukin 10 (IL-10), a higher percentage of lymphocytes, and a lower percentage of neutrophils than BI or COMB piglets. After infection, dietary bLf increased piglet weight gain, reduced staphylococcal counts in the kidneys, and tended to lower staphylococcal counts in the lungs and heart. Dietary bLf also decreased kidney IL-10 and increased lung interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA. B. infantis increased splenic IFN-γ expression. Renal Toll-like receptor 2 was upregulated in BI piglets but not in COMB piglets. Postinfection, BI piglets had increased serum IL-10 and decreased memory T cell populations. LF and COMB piglets had fewer circulating monocytes and B cells than CON or BI piglets. Conclusions Dietary bLf and B. infantis produced independent and tissue-specific effects. Piglets fed bLf alone or in combination with B. infantis mounted a more effective immune response and exhibited lower bacterial abundance. This study provides biological underpinnings to the clinical benefits of bLf observed in preterm infants but does not support B. infantis administration during S. aureus infection.
Background: Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature infants... more Background: Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) reduces Staphylococcus aureus infection in premature infants and promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium infantis, a predominant infant gut species. We hypothesized that bLf in combination with B. infantis would reduce the severity of systemic S. aureus infection. Objective: The aim was to determine the effects of oral administration of bLf and B. infantis on the course of systemic S. aureus infection. Methods: Colostrum-deprived piglets were fed formulas containing 4 g whey/L (CON group) or bLf (LF group). One-half of the piglets in each group were gavaged with B. infantis (10 9 colony-forming units/d), resulting in 2 additional groups (BI or COMB, respectively). On day 7, piglets were intravenously injected with S. aureus. Blood samples were collected preinfection and every 12 h postinfection for immune analyses. Tissue samples were collected on day 12 for analysis of bacterial abundance and gene expression. Results: Preinfection, LF piglets had lower serum interleukin 10 (IL-10), a higher percentage of lymphocytes, and a lower percentage of neutrophils than BI or COMB piglets. After infection, dietary bLf increased piglet weight gain, reduced staphylococcal counts in the kidneys, and tended to lower staphylococcal counts in the lungs and heart. Dietary bLf also decreased kidney IL-10 and increased lung interferon γ (IFN-γ) mRNA. B. infantis increased splenic IFN-γ expression. Renal Toll-like receptor 2 was upregulated in BI piglets but not in COMB piglets. Postinfection, BI piglets had increased serum IL-10 and decreased memory T cell populations. LF and COMB piglets had fewer circulating monocytes and B cells than CON or BI piglets. Conclusions: Dietary bLf and B. infantis produced independent and tissue-specific effects. Piglets fed bLf alone or in combination with B. infantis mounted a more effective immune response and exhibited lower bacterial abundance. This study provides biological underpinnings to the clinical benefits of bLf observed in preterm infants but does not support B. infantis administration during S. aureus infection.
Children are often categorized as picky eaters by parents and caregivers for their rejection of f... more Children are often categorized as picky eaters by parents and caregivers for their rejection of foods, such as vegetables, and for exhibiting other difficult mealtime behaviors. However, there are several factors that contribute to these mealtime behaviors, including early feeding practices (i.e., breastfeeding, introduction to solid food), repeated exposure to novel foods, and genetic taste sensitivity to certain compounds. Using the online database of PubMed, a review of the literature on the development of picky eating in children, its outcomes, and intervention strategies was conducted. This review groups the developmental contributors to picky eating into the categories of nature and nurture and explores the interaction between the two. This paper will also summarize the potential outcomes of picky eating and the various strategies that are currently recommended to mitigate picky eating in young children. However, there is a lack of longitudinal work targeting consistent picky eating behaviors that have the potential to impact long-term food preferences and dietary variety. Future intervention strategies should address the factors that influence the development of picky eating on an individual level.
Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
ABSTRACT: Objectives: The first objective of this study was to determine how mother-infant sleep ... more ABSTRACT: Objectives: The first objective of this study was to determine how mother-infant sleep duration is related across the first 2 years of life. The second objective was to determine whether these relationships change across the first 2 years of life. The third objective was to understand demographic and health predictors of the relationship between maternal and child sleep. Methods: Parents of 464 infants from the STRONG Kids 2 study reported their own and infants' nocturnal sleep duration and other health information (i.e., breastfeeding) at 3, 12, 18, and 24 months postpartum. Results: Latent transition models revealed 2 mother-infant sleep profiles exist at 3 to 24 months. The low maternal sleep (LMS) pattern was characterized by lower maternal sleep duration than the recommended amount and lower infant sleep duration. The average maternal sleep (AMS) pattern was characterized by average maternal sleep duration meeting the recommended standard and average infant sleep ...
American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
The transcriptome of exfoliated epithelial cells in stool contain gene signatures from both small... more The transcriptome of exfoliated epithelial cells in stool contain gene signatures from both small and large intestinal mucosa affording a noninvasive approach to assess gut health and function.
Objectives Early childhood is characterized by stabilization of the gut microbiome and rapid matu... more Objectives Early childhood is characterized by stabilization of the gut microbiome and rapid maturation of executive functions (EF; cognitive flexibility [F]; inhibitory self-control [ISC]; emergent metacognition [EM]), which are vital to the regulation of goal-directed behaviors, academic and social success. While diet in school-aged children and gut microbial-derived volatile fatty acids (VFA) in rodent models are linked to EFs, few studies have explored these in early life among humans. The present study investigated the extent to which dietary patterns, fiber intake and fecal VFA predict EF at 24 mo. Methods Parents and 24-mo-old children (N = 291) were recruited from the STRONG Kids 2 cohort study. Parent reported surveys were used to assess EF (Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function for Preschoolers) and diet (Block Food Frequency Questionnaires). To derive dietary patterns, raw frequency responses for diet were used to create 23 food groups, which were input into p...
Low maternal attachment security is linked to unhealthy child eating behavior, and emergent evide... more Low maternal attachment security is linked to unhealthy child eating behavior, and emergent evidence suggests that mothers with higher attachment security are more likely to engage in responsive fe...
Breastfeeding exerts many health benefits for the infant and the benefit is affected by exclusivi... more Breastfeeding exerts many health benefits for the infant and the benefit is affected by exclusivity and duration, however, most mothers in the U.S. breastfeed for a shorter duration than recommended. First-time mothers who return to work outside the home, utilize childcare, and pump to continue to provide human milk, all of which have been found to reduce breastfeeding duration individually, represent a subset of breastfeeding mothers facing several known barriers to breastfeeding continuation and at risk for early breastfeeding cessation. The aim of this study is to understand and describe the perceptions of first-time mothers with prenatal intentions to breastfeed and utilize childcare, of paternal support for the breastfeeding experience. A semi-structured interview guided data collection with 24 first-time breastfeeding mothers and responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two main themes from mothers' experiences highlight the perceptions of first-time mothers, who had prenatal intentions to breastfeed and utilize childcare, were shaped by the actions, behaviors, and beliefs of their partners throughout the breastfeeding process, as well as illustrate both mothers and fathers lack knowledge of how to optimally involve fathers in breastfeeding. Our findings extend evidence for two existing models of father support to promote breastfeeding as relevant to mothers who return to work outside the home and utilize childcare, and additionally identify an area of support not included in either model. Early and improved education that situates breastfeeding within the co-parenting relationship and includes paternal support for pumping has the potential to improve mothers' breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding duration through mothers' return to work and infants' transition to childcare.
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Traditional doctoral programmes require students to gain in-depth knowledge in one subject area. ... more Traditional doctoral programmes require students to gain in-depth knowledge in one subject area. Transdisciplinary programmes aim to foster synthesis across disciplines and focus on translating research findings into real-world solutions, helping students to develop a professional disciplinary identity that is enhanced by multidisciplinary methods and theories. Anna-Sigrid Keck, Stephanie Sloane, Janet M. Liechty, Barbara H. Fiese, and Sharon M. Donovan designed a structured doctoral programme focused on transdisciplinary research and compared students’ publication patterns to students in traditional programmes. While rates of productivity were broadly similar, citation rates were found to be higher for transdisciplinary students, as were indicators of collaboration such as co-authorship.
Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: USDA's Food and Nutrition Service requires that PSE strategies... more Theory, Prior Research, Rationale: USDA's Food and Nutrition Service requires that PSE strategies, multi-level interventions that address underlying environmental and societal barriers, be integrated into SNAP-Ed plans to support healthy behavior change among the target audience. PSE strategies have the potential to reach more individuals and be more effective than nutrition education alone. Description: In 2015, Maine SNAP-Ed began delivering PSE strategies in nutrition education settings. In 2017, nutrition educators were required to select two PSE strategies from six predetermined options. Evaluation: Altarum, the external evaluator for Maine SNAP-Ed, conducted a process evaluation to assess educator ability to establish community partnerships and implement PSE strategies. Evaluation activities included interviews (n = 6) with SNAP-Ed administrators at the University of New England (UNE), interviews (n = 8) and webbased surveys (n = 18) with nutrition educators and local directors, and interviews (n = 11) with SNAP-Ed partners involved with PSE strategies. Conclusions and Implications: Maine SNAP-Ed administrators agreed that PSE strategies enhanced nutrition education efforts, helping the target audience to make healthy choices where they eat, live, learn, work, shop and play. Nutrition educators felt prepared (61%) to deliver PSE strategies due to previous experience and ongoing support from UNE administrators and local directors. Educators (90%) leveraged existing relationships to facilitate new partnerships to implement PSE strategies. Onethird of educators (33%) reported ease implementing PSE strategies, attributing success to strong partnerships. Most nutrition educators (79%) indicated that partners were supportive of PSE strategies although less than a quarter (22%) were confident that strategies will be maintained. Implications of this evaluation suggest that SNAP-Ed agencies can successfully deliver PSE strategies by leveraging community partnerships and providing ongoing support to nutrition educators; however, more research is needed to understand the sustainability of PSE strategies.
Addressing complex societal problems, such as childhood obesity, requires transdisciplinary (TD) ... more Addressing complex societal problems, such as childhood obesity, requires transdisciplinary (TD) approaches to reach effective solutions. However, TD doctoral training programs in academic settings are still relatively new, and little is known about the benefits and barriers of participation. This study sought to longitudinally assess benefits and barriers of a TD approach to doctoral education from the perspectives of students working towards a joint PhD/MPH degree and their faculty advisors. Results show that benefits across 5-years included greater collaboration and networking, enhanced guidance and support, broadened ways of thinking, and expanded opportunities. Barriers included time demands, complicated logistics, and tension between depth versus breadth of knowledge. Similarities and differences among students and faculty are discussed. Findings provide resources for both faculty and students considering involvement with TD doctoral education, as well as for institutions and ...
Conclusion: Study findings suggest sensory evaluation should be a part of any nutrition education... more Conclusion: Study findings suggest sensory evaluation should be a part of any nutrition education curriculum designed to improve diet quality through the introduction of new recipes and recipe modifications to promoted meaningful behavior change within the nation's most vulnerable populations. Funding: None.
Background: Dietary habits formed during the first 5 y of life portend lifelong eating patterns. ... more Background: Dietary habits formed during the first 5 y of life portend lifelong eating patterns. Objectives: The Synergistic Theory Research Obesity and Nutrition Group (STRONG) Kids 2 birth cohort study aimed to examine multilevel predictors of weight trajectories and dietary habits including individual biology, child socioemotional and behavioral characteristics, family environment, and child care environment over the first 5 y of life. This report describes recruitment strategies, an overview of survey measures, and basic descriptive statistics of the cohort. Methods: The cohort includes 468 mothers and their offspring. A brief survey was completed at a 1-wk home visit including child's birth weight, intent to breastfeed, collection of an infant stool sample, and additional contact information should the family move. Mothers completed surveys including diet, child temperament, family environment, and child care when their child was 6 wk, 3, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 mo of age. Height and weight of the mother and child were collected at each visit. Stool samples of the child were collected at each visit as well as saliva at 1 visit. Results: Close to half of the mothers were either overweight (24.2%) or obese (25.2%) prepregnancy. At 6 wk of age, 32.9% of the children were overweight and 31.4% were obese based on direct measurement. Conclusions: The STRONG Kids 2 research team has adopted a socioecological model that accounts for multiple influences on children's health including biological, child social and behavioral, family household organization, and community factors. The study is limited by a relatively educated and nondiverse sample. However, variations in maternal and child weight may inform future prevention programs and policy aimed at improving the diet and health of children under the age of 5 y. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03341858.
Uploads
Papers by Sharon Donovan