Perceptions of the double value coupon program in southern Illinois.

Introduction: Purchasing produce at farmers markets represents one method by which individuals can purchase and have access to healthful and seasonal fruits. Despite the extension of nutrition assistance programs to local farmers markets, fruit and vegetables consumption has remained below the recommended guidelines, specifically in rural geographical locations. Statement of purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the aspects of the Link Up Illinois Double Value SNAP Nutrition Incentives Program (DVCP) and its effects on food selection at rural farmers markets for individuals enrolled in nutrition assistance programs. Methods/approach: The current study uses a qualitative methodology in order to uncover barriers local health departments and farmers markets face to implementing the DVCP in their communities and to discover the perspectives of low-income individuals who utilize the DVCP. This paper explores the organizational and community member perceptions of the DVCP and its administration. Semi-structured interviews and one focus group were conducted with health educators from county health departments, DVCP stakeholders, farmers market managers, local farmers, and residents who used the DVCP. A purposeful sampling method was used, intentionally selecting individuals with lived experiences of the research objective. Data were analyzed using a three-cycle coding process, then categorized into overarching themes until thematic saturation was reached. Results: There were a total of 19 individuals who participated in the study. Five themes and four subthemes emerged from data analysis, including organizational capacity, exposure to the DVCP, purchasing power, DVCP advancements, and values. Conclusion/implications: These findings contextualize the facilitators and barriers of multiple stakeholders when implementing nutrition assistance programs at farmers markets. Other similar "double value" programs can utilize these lessons when seeking to increase participation of underrepresented populations at local farmers markets.

An assessment of environmental literacy, behaviors, attitudes and lifestyle factors of college students.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate associations between environmental literacy, attitudes, sustainability behaviors, health, and lifestyle factors among undergraduates. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 345 students at a mid-sized, rural university completed the survey fall 2019. METHODS: Descriptive statistics, correlations, and exploratory factor analysis were used to evaluate data. RESULTS: Overall, though participants exhibited a lack of environmental knowledge (average score five of ten), they possessed pro-health and pro-environment attitudes and were likely to engage in corresponding behaviors (e.g. recycling, waste reduction, etc.). Principal axis factor analysis identified five underlying factors: liberal/progressive views, individual eco-friendly practices, personal health, healthy lifestyle, and waste reduction. CONCLUSION: Correlational analyses indicated students who value health and engage in healthier behaviors also value the environment. While most agreed environmental sustainability is important, recycling behaviors and sustainability knowledge were mediocre. Understanding underlying factors such as environmental attitudes and sustainability-related behaviors can drive intervention strategies to move students to action.

Impact of social support on the dietary behaviors of international college students in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: International students in the US often adopt unhealthy dietary behaviors, perhaps due to lack of familiarity and social support. This study examined the impact of social support on international college students' dietary behaviors. PARTICIPANTS: This study surveyed international students (N = 318) from five public universities in one Midwest state. METHODS: Participants completed an electronic survey assessing self-reported eating habits and perceived social support using the Social Support for Eating Habits and the Starting the Conversation (STC) scales. Data analyses included multiple linear regression and multiple logistic regression to test the study's hypotheses. Comparisons were made to explore the impact of perceived social support on international students' dietary behaviors. RESULTS: Significant predictors of unhealthy dietary behaviors included region of origin (specifically, being from East Asia, Europe and North America) and having families that discouraged healthy eating habits. Additionally, living with immediate family members significantly decreased students' likelihood of having higher friend encouragement for healthy eating habits. Finally, the amount of time participants spent in the US significantly increased their likelihood of having more discouragement of healthy eating from their friends. CONCLUSIONS: International students' unhealthy eating habits increased when their families discouraged them from healthy eating. Interventions promoting healthy diet among international students should consider including family members to increase social support for healthy eating habits.

Behavioural health outcomes in veterans compared to nonveterans by rural and urban areas in Alabama, 2015-2018.

In the United States, tobacco use, alcohol consumption and substance use disorders are more prevalent among veterans when compared to nonveterans. This is also seen in Alabama, which led the researchers to review county level data to examine possible links between substance use, mental health and suicide by veteran status. This study sought to evaluate behavioural health outcomes and impacting factors for military veterans and nonveterans living in rural and urban areas of Alabama. In phase one, we developed Alabama-specific behavioural health outcomes at the state and county level for military veterans and nonveterans. In phase two, we examined county-level correlates of behavioural health outcomes among veterans and nonveterans. The data were retrieved from the 2015-2018 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) and the United States Census Bureau. Regarding tobacco use rates at the county level, nonveteran rates ranged from 23.93% to 34.56% while veteran rates ranged from 24.47% to 38.56%. Nonveteran illicit drug use rates ranged from 9.40% to 13.15% while veteran illicit drug use rates ranged from 5.50% to 10.67%. Nonveteran heavy alcohol use rates ranged from 4.54% to 7.92% while veteran heavy alcohol use rates ranged from 4.59% to 8.41%. Lastly, nonveteran suicidal ideation rates ranged from 3.64% to 4.60% while veteran suicidal ideation rates ranged from 3.16% to 4.51%. Veterans have a significantly higher potential of having suicidal ideations. We showed that illicit drug use and suicidal ideation have increased in Alabama among veterans and nonveterans. Behavioural health programmes and policies aimed at eliminating disparities between veterans and nonveterans are needed in Alabama.

Impact of Social Support on the Physical Activity Behaviors of International College Students in the United States.

Research has suggested that international students' transition to the United States is often correlated with less physical activity after arriving in the U.S). One reason might be related to reduced social support when living in a foreign environment. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of social support on international college students' physical activity behaviors. Participants (N = 318) from five public universities in one Midwest state completed an electronic survey assessing self-reported physical activity behaviors and perceived social support for exercise (SSE). Data analyses included multiple linear regression, multinomial logistic regression, and multiple logistic regression to test the study's hypotheses. Region of origin, academic level, and friends' SSE were all significant predictors of unhealthy physical activity behaviors. Specifically, friends' SSE was positively associated with higher total physical activity behaviors (F (12, 305) = 4.2, p < .001, R 2 = .142) and was a significant predictor of participants' physical activity levels. Although research suggests international students' transition to the United States can impart negative impacts on their physical activity behaviors, we found that greater levels of friends' SSE was associated with increased physical activity behaviors. As university administrators and wellness programs explore interventions promoting positive physical activity behaviors among international students, they should consider including elements that focus specifically on friendship social support to motivate physical activity behaviors.

Injury, Illness, and Mental Health Risks in United States Domestic Mariners.

OBJECTIVE: Describe health conditions and injury and illness rates in a population of United States mariners, an understudied workforce vital to economic security. METHODS: In this survey study, mariner health data was collected and analyzed to provide injury and illness rates (including mental health conditions) and associated risk factors. RESULTS: In this mariner population of highly tenured vessel masters and pilots, hypertension, obesity, sleep disorders, smoking, alcohol consumption, and symptoms of depression and anxiety were common. BMI ≥35 was associated with increased likelihood of work injury (OR 5.7; 95%CI 1.01, 32.59). CONCLUSIONS: The mariners were in poor overall health, raising public health and safety concerns in this population of essential transportation workers. Follow-up studies including a wider distribution of domestic mariners (deck hands, engineers) would further characterize occupational risks.

The Prevalence of Food Security and Insecurity Among Illinois University Students.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to define the food security status of Illinois university students and whether sociodemographic characteristics are related to that status. DESIGN: A cross-sectional research design was used to analyze the food security status of undergraduate Illinois university students, employing a survey containing the Household Food Security Survey Module that was distributed via e-mail to student participants. SETTING: Four public Illinois universities were highlighted, including Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,882 undergraduate students participated in the research study in April, 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Variables include food security status and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, sex, race, and academic standing. ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis included frequencies and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The percentage of student respondents in the total sample who were considered food insecure was 35.0%. There were significant relationships between food security status and sociodemographic variables including race, grade point average, loan use, and living location. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests that 35% of respondents were food insecure based on quantitative assessment. Understanding the significant relationship between food security status and race, grade point average, loan use, and living location may be useful in developing services for those in need.

Farm to School and Nutrition Education: Positively Affecting Elementary School-Aged Children's Nutrition Knowledge and Consumption Behavior.

BACKGROUND: Good nutrition is crucial. School-aged children battle social and health issues such as poor nutrition, childhood obesity, and minimal nutrition knowledge. This study was a quasi-experimental design analyzing the effects of the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) nutrition curriculum with a Farm to School program to assess nutrition knowledge of 3(rd) grade students, and to increase fruit and vegetable consumption behavior. METHODS: Third grade boys and girls (n=65) participated in this study. The intervention consisted of two nutrition education classes and a farm tour. Data were collected at baseline and postintervention. Surveys assessed nutrition knowledge, fruit and vegetable consumption behavior, and awareness of farms and farmers. Chi-squared tests of independence were performed to examine the relation between the baseline and postintervention responses. RESULTS: Significant differences were found concerning knowledge of fiber (p<0.001). Knowledge of vitamins and minerals, reported vegetable consumption behavior at school, and farm exposure were also significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that CATCH nutrition education and farm tours can positively affect school-aged children's nutrition knowledge and fruit and vegetable consumption behavior.

Positive changes in perceptions and selections of healthful foods by college students after a short-term point-of-selection intervention at a dining hall.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effects of a short-term, multi-faceted, point-of-selection intervention on college students' perceptions and selection of 10 targeted healthful foods in a university dining hall and changes in their self-reported overall eating behaviors. PARTICIPANTS: 104 college students, (age 18-23) completed pre-I and post-I surveys. METHODS: Pre-survey collected at dining hall in April 2007, followed by 3-week intervention then post-survey collected via email. Healthy choice indicators, large signs, table tents, flyers and colorful photographs with "benefit-based messages" promoted targeted foods. Response rate to both surveys was 38%. RESULTS: Significantly more participants reported that healthful choices were clearly identified in the dining hall after the intervention. Over 20% of participants reported becoming more aware of healthful food choices in the dining hall after the intervention. Significant increases in self-reported intake were reported for cottage cheese and low-fat salad dressing, with a trend toward increased consumption of fresh fruit. Seven of the 14 assessed eating behaviors had significant changes in the desired direction. Increased awareness of healthful foods was the top reason for self-reported changes in overall eating behaviors. CONCLUSION: Short-term, multi-faceted, point-of-selection marketing of healthful foods in university dining halls may be beneficial for improving college students' perceptions and selections of targeted healthful foods in the dining hall and may improve overall eating behaviors of college students.