Browsing by Subject "Low-income mothers--Health and hygiene--United States"
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Item The development, implementation, and evaluation of a dietary and physical activity intervention for overweight, low-income mothers(2004) Clarke, Kristine Kendrick; Freeland-Graves, Jeanne H.The purpose of this study is to evaluate a program for promoting weight loss, increasing physical activity, and enhancing nutrition attitudes in mothers of young children. An 8-week dietary and physical activity program was tested. Demographic, dietary, physical activity, and psychosocial data were collected at baseline; anthropometric data were measured at baseline and week 8. A convenience sample of 114 intervention mothers and 33 comparison mothers were recruited from public health clinics, community centers, and churches. Eligibility criteria included Hispanic, African-American, or Caucasian ethnicity; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 ; low-income (< 200% federal poverty index); and youngest child aged 1-4 years. Baseline differences in anthropometrics and demographics between groups were tested using Chi-square and independent samples t-tests. Changes in anthropometrics, nutrients, physical activity measures, and attitudes were evaluated with paired samples t-tests. Relationships between variables were tested with Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. Hierarchical regression was employed to assess potential predictors of weight loss. Intervention participants lost weight, consumed fewer calories, increased pedometer steps, and demonstrated improvements in nutrition attitudes. Correlates of weight loss included less satisfaction with appearance (r=0.24), a greater percentage of energy from protein (r=-0.22), superior nutrition knowledge (r=-0.23), higher scores on the benefits of weight loss (r=-0.20), change in healthy eating attitudes (r=-0.28) and change in social support (r=-0.21). The predictive models of weight loss with baseline and change variables represented 18.7% and 17.1% of the variance, respectively. Weight management programs serving low-income mothers should stress these modifiable factors: a balanced diet that contains sufficient protein, social support, attitudes toward healthful eating, benefits of weight loss, and nutrition knowledge.Item Relationship violence and the health of low-income women with children(2006) Hill, Terrence Dean; Angel, RonaldRelationship violence is a major public health concern for women living in the United States. Studies show that relationship violence is associated with poorer physical and mental health and higher rates of substance abuse. Although relationship violence is an important issue for women in all segments of society, studies consistently show that women of low socioeconomic status exhibit higher rates of violence than their more affluent counterparts. Using data from the Welfare, Children, and Families project, a probability sample of 2,402 low-income women with children living in low-income neighborhoods in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio, this study examines the direct and indirect effects of relationship violence during childhood and adulthood on adult psychological distress, heavy drinking, and self-rated health over two years. Results are generally consistent with prior research, showing that relationship violence during childhood and adulthood is associated with higher levels of psychological distress, heavier drinking, and poorer self-rated health. There is also some evidence to suggest that the effects of sexual coercion in early life on heavy drinking and self-rated health in adulthood are mediated by psychological distress.