S48 Poster Abstracts Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior � Volume 41, Number 4S, 2009

P80 Food Insecurity among Jordanian Type 2Diabetics: Impact on Glycemic Control andHealthy EatingHiba Bawadi, PhD, hbawadi@just.edu.jo; Dima Abu-Jamous, MSc, Department of Nutrition and FoodTechnology, Jordan University of Science andTechnology, P.O. Box: 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan;Reema Tayyem PhD, rtayyem@hu.edu.jo, Department ofClinical Nutrition & Dietetic, The Hashemite University,P.O. Box 150459, Zarqa 13115, Jordan

Objective: To assess the prevalence of food insecurityamong type 2 diabetics in Jordan, and to investigate its re-lation with healthy eating and glycemic control.Design, Setting and Participants: A cross sectionalstudy conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital,Al-Ramtha-Jordan. Participants: Systematic random sam-ple of 843 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.Outcome, Measures and Analysis: Socioeconomic andhealth data were collected by interview-based question-naire. Anthropometric data were measured by a trainednutritionist. Dietary assessment was done using Food Fre-quency Questionnaire. Dietary data was processed usingfood processor soft software to obtain participants’ intakeof food groups. Healthy eating was assessed by the revisedHealthy Eating Index. Food insecurity was assessed by theUSDA 6-items food security questionnaire. Glycemic con-trol was assessed by measuring glycosylated haemoglobin(HbA1C). Statistical procedures used to analyze the datawere chi-square, post-hoc analysis of variance, and multi-nomial analysis.Results: About 50.8% of patients were food insecure and26.8% suffered from food insecurity with hunger. Half ofthe participants had poor diet quality (HEI score <50),66% were obese and 48.4% had poor glycemic control(HbA1C $8). Food insecure individuals had lower intakesof fruits, meat and beans, when compared to food secureindividuals. Food secure individuals had the highesthealthy eating index scores as compared to food insecureparticipants with or without hunger. No statistical relationwas found between HbA1C levels and food insecurity (P-value 0.3).Conclusions and Implications: Food insecurity was as-sociated with poor diet quality but not with HbA1C levels.Funding was received from Deanship of Scientific Researchat Jordan University of Science and Technology.

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P81 The Mediterranean Diet: How Effective IsIt As An Educational Tool?Suzanne Piscopo, PhD, RPHNutr, suzanne.piscopo@um.edu.mt, Nutrition, Family & Consumer Studies Office,Room 324, Faculty of Education, University of Malta,MSD 2080, Malta

Objective: While epidemiological research on the protec-tive role of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is highly publi-cized, little is known about the effectiveness of MDeducation interventions. This literature review aimed to

provide new insight into methodology and evaluation inthe field of nutrition education.Design, Setting and Participants: Two onlinesearches were conducted within a major citation databaseusing the terms ‘‘Mediterranean Diet’’ and ‘‘Education’’ or‘‘Intervention’’. The 343 abstracts yielded were screenedfor distinct studies with a clear ‘‘education’’ component;education being defined as instruction to participants onapplication of MD principles in their diet. Seven articlesmet the criteria.Outcome, Measures and Analysis: Articles were ana-lyzed for target population, and educational interventiondesign, duration, tools, evaluative measures/tests and out-comes.Results: Interventions targeted both healthy and at riskpopulations and lasted between 12 weeks to 3 years, in-cluding follow-up. They used individual counseling, indi-vidual motivational interviewing, tailored computer-based counseling, group education, internet-based educa-tion, cookery classes, take-home printed materials andfree food supplies. Outcomes were measured using food di-aries, FFQs, biomarkers, anthropometrics, psychosocialvariables, using t-tests and ANOVAs as appropriate. Inter-ventions showed statistically significant increases in intakeof vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruit, whole grains, seeds, ol-ive oil and dietary PUFAs and MUFAs, and statistically sig-nificant decreases in total cholesterol, ox-LDL-cholesterol,total: HDL-cholesterol, hs-CRP, insulin resistance, bodyweight and waist circumference.Conclusions and Implications: MD education inter-ventions may help protect against and treat a variety ofhealth problems in different populations. Results of this re-view could help inform choice and design of future tar-geted MD nutrition education.

P82 Exercise DVDs’ Adherence to SafetyRecommendations: A Preliminary AssessmentKelly Ryan, BS, kelryan@aesop.rutgers.edu, RutgersUniversity, Department of Nutritional Sciences, 26 NicholAvenue, Davison Hall, New Brunswick, NJ 08901;Debrah Palmer, PhD, dpalmer@njaes.rutgers.edu, RutgersUniversity, Department of Nutritional Sciences;AudreyAudrey Adler, MS, RD, adler@njaes.rutgers.edu,Rutgers University, Department of Nutritional Sciences

Objective: Nutrition educators are being encouraged toprovide education aimed at increasing physical activity,but they lack the training necessary to provide safe in-struction. Exercise videos may constitute a viable optionas most are led by professional instruct instructors.However, whether exercise videos follow appropriatesafety guidelines has not been reported. This studyaims to provide a preliminary analysis of the adherenceto such guidelines, and to examine the relationship ofthe level of safe instruction to the workouts’ intensitylevels.Design, Setting and Participants: An observationalstudy was performed by five trained evaluators.

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Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior � Volume 41, Number 4S, 2009 Poster Abstracts S49

Outcome, Measures and Analysis: Seventy-seven aero-bic workout DVDs were rated on nine exercise safety vari-ables, as well as their intensity.Results: Most DVDs were rated as safe, as they included:an appropriate warm-up (91%); graduated intensity(93%) and complexity (89%); reduced intensity prior tocool-down (82%); and stretching in the cool-down(84%). Further, the instructors demonstrated proper form(92%); suggested modifications (73%); and avoided pat-terns that contributed to balance and coordination prob-lems (77%). Significant relationships were found betweenDVDs’ level of intensity, i.e., low/moderate vs. high inten-sity and the safety of their: cool-downs (r(385) ¼ 0.72, p <0.05), form instruction (r(385) ¼ 0.78, p < 0.05), exercises’sequence and progression (r(385) ¼ 0.44, p < 0.05); and,conversely, their correction of improper form (r(385) ¼�0.81, p < 0.05).Conclusions and Implications: Low to moderate in-tensity exercise DVDs likely provide safe physical activityeducation; thus, nutrition educators may find them to bevaluable resources. This work was funded by the New Jer-sey Agricultural Experiment Station.

P83 Food Handling Practices among RecentlyResettled RefugeesKathleen Slobin, PhD, Kathleen.slobin@ndsu.edu, Collegeof Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – Minard 221North Dakota State University, Department 2300, P.O.Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050; Julie Garden-Robinson, PhD, LRD, Julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu,Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences - EML 351 NorthDakota State University, Department 7270, P.O. Box 6050,Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Objective: To identify food handling practices refugeesacquire in their home countries, to determine how suchpractices reflect cultural values, and to use this informationto develop culturally informed educational materials.Design, Setting and Participants: Twenty in-depthinterviews were undertaken with recently resettled refu-gees from Bosnia, Northern Iraq, and several AfricanCountries. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed,and analyzed with the assistance of Atlas-Ti computersoftware.Outcome, Measures and Analysis: The analysis wasframed by Mary Douglas’s cultural theory (1996) basedon the idea that people organize their environment in or-der to foster cleanliness and avoid contamination. Usinga modified grounded theory approach, interviews werecoded for food handling practices related to personal hy-giene and food selection, preparation, storage, serviceand preservation. These acquired practices were comparedwith recommended practices.Results: Refugees’ previously acquired food handlingactivities may be conceptualized as a cultural practice ori-ented toward organizing and cleaning the home environ-

ment. These activities are directed primarily by desires toprepare quality food and avoid contamination, and lessby fears of illness. However, refugees’ food handling prac-tices parallel those commonly used in food safety cam-paigns related to personal hygiene, adequate cooking,safe temperatures, and avoidance of cross contaminationand unsafe sources.Conclusions and Implications: Refugees entering theUnited States bring previously acquired food handlingpractices that reflect cultural values. While they are awareof the dangers of food borne illness, refugees are morelikely to respond positively to educational messages thatreflect their knowledge about importance of handlingfood in ways that enhance the cleanliness and order oftheir homes. This project is funded by USDA.

P84 Survey Results of Activate Rahway and GetMoving, Get Healthy Union CountyKaren Ensle, EdD, RD, FADA, CFCS, ensle@aesop.rutgers.edu, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County,300 North Avenue East, Westfield, NJ 07090;Alane McCahey, amccahey@ymcaeuc.org, YMCA ofEastern Union County, Rahway Branch, 1564 IrvingStreet, Rahway, NJ 07065

Objective: A survey in 2007-08 was developed/con-ducted to find out if adults exercised regularly, whethertheir diet was healthy and what would motivate themto do both.Design, Setting and Participants: A survey completedby 175 adults at two community events.Outcome, Measures and Analysis: ‘‘Activate Rahway’’was formed in 2007 by YMCA Pioneering Healthier Com-munities. The Extension educator, an ‘‘Activate Rahway’’member spearheaded survey development and pilot testwith 25 adults. Minor adjustments in questions were re-fined for final survey. Face validity measured adult activ-ity/nutrition needs with answers offering suggestions toimprove family health.Results: Surveys from 175 indicated: inactive adults needideas on integrating activity/quick healthy meals/snacksinto busy lifestyles, 41% exercised 30 minutes, 4 daysa week, 38% don’t exercise due to time constraints, a ‘‘work-out buddy’’ would help 40% exercise regularly, only 39% eata healthy diet all the time. The survey was completed by res-idents/adults standing at a table when children wanted togo elsewhere which was a limitation. A shopping bag incen-tive increased participation, but many only answered basicquestions without expanding answers.Conclusions and Implications: The survey gave the re-searcher answers to improve personal/family fitness/nutri-tion needs of the target group. The tool is transferable forcollecting information on improving physical activity/eat-ing behaviors of the public. Survey results have helpedplan 2009 events including Extension classes at theYMCA on ‘‘Quick Healthy Meals’’, ‘‘Balanced Eating ona Balanced Budget’’ and ‘‘Healthy Snacks’’. This projecthas funding from: $25,000 YMCA, $3,000 RCE-GMGH-NJ, $25,000 Activate America.