Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

170

Date

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Clinical Nutrition

Committee Chair

Terra L Smith

Committee Member

Robin R Roach

Committee Member

Ebenezer O George

Abstract

The incidence of obesity is alarmingly high among African Americans, especially among women. Therefore, to help address the weight loss needs among a group (n=10) of obese African American women in a faith community, a seven-week nutrition intervention study was developed and implemented. Each session was lead by a member of the faith community and incorporated prayer and encouragement. BMI, waist, and hip circumference were measured, and three-day food diaries were collected at baseline and post-intervention. A paired sample t-test was used to analyze the data. A mean loss of 1.1 in. was observed in waist circumference (p=0.089). A mean loss of 1.7 in. was observed in hip circumference (p=0.021). There was no significant difference in BMI (p=0.343). Post-intervention three-day food diaries demonstrated some improvement from baseline such that 40% (n=4) more of participants met the Food Guide Pyramid food intake for grains, and 40% (n=4) more of participants met and did not exceed the Food Guide Pyramid food intake recommendation for meats and beans. Faith-based interventions may offer the best solution for reducing obesity. Familiar community settings, peer support, and places of worship were important in this study group.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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