2007, Volume 13 No. 2

ARTICLE 4

The Effect of Health and Nutrition Management Classes on Nutrition Choices: A Case Study on Diabetics in Huntsville, Alabama, United States

Malcolm A. Cort¹ and Marta Sovyanhadi^2
1 Psychology Department, Athens State University, Athens, Alabama, USA
² Family and Consumer Sciences Department, Oakwood University, Huntsville, Alabama

ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a one-day nutrition education seminar utilizing a sample of 26 confirmed diabetics who had at least once before, participated in nutrition classes. The participants were exposed to a seminar that promoted, evaluated, and rewarded good nutrition choices in an effort to educate this group about coping with diabetes through nutrition management. A 24-hour food recall was used as a pre-test, meal plans constructed by trained graduate-level diet interns were used as the standard by which proper nutrition was judged, and participants’ choices were used as the post-test evaluation. Significant differences were found between the 24-hour recall and the ideal meal plans in all of the three nutrient measured (energy, protein and fat). Participants showed a preference for personally constructed meal plans as opposed to those constructed by the interns. However, significant diet adjustments were shown in the short term. Discussion focused on the need for repeated involvement in diet interventions, and the challenges faced in changing diet habits of a group of middle-aged individuals who are even slightly obese.

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