http://hdl.handle.net/2104/4759 Fri, 17 May 2013 04:52:51 GMT 2013-05-17T04:52:51Z http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8471 Macro-level modifiable variables affecting breastfeeding rates. Stroope, Jessica L. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding followed by at least six additional months of complementary feedings. Current rates in the United States are well below recommended levels. This thesis reviews the literature surrounding modifiable macro-level variables affecting breastfeeding rates, using the Ecological Model of Health Promotion as a theoretical framework. Major recommendations include initiating paid maternity leave at the national level, restricting formula marketing practices, and making hospital breastfeeding rates publicly available. Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8471 2012-08-08T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8463 Using the health belief model to understand cholesterol and blood pressure screenings in rural populations in central Texas. Rose, Tiffany A. The purpose of this research was to develop and test Health Belief Model (HBM) construct scales to understand cholesterol screening behavior in rural communities in central Texas. A survey was developed using modified verisons of cancer screening surveys. The resulting 67-item survey instrument was disseminated to three rural communities through school districts, churches, and community programs. Of the 1,125 survey dissemenated, 170 were returned (15.1%). Exploratory Factor Analysis confirmed the following scales: susceptibility (7 items), severity (3 items), benefits (4 items), barriers (6 items), and self-efficacy (6 items). Logistic regression was conducted for meeting cholesterol guidelines and intention to screen using HBM constructs and demographic and health variables. The final model for meeting cholesterol guidelines included perceived barriers, insurance, age, disease index, and BMI. The final model for intention included race/ethnicity, age, and BMI. This study supports the use of HBM constructs to understand cholesterol screening behavior in rural communities. Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8463 2012-08-08T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8458 Understanding physical activity behavior among dialysis patients : a social cognitive approach. Patterson, Megan S. While engaging in physical activity is important for the general population due to its documented health benefits (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011), it is especially beneficial to patients on dialysis. Dialysis patients suffer an excessive burden of chronic conditions including hypertension, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression, all of which provide conditions and symptoms that can be improved with physical activity (Johansen, 2008). However, individuals with renal disease have been shown to be less physically active than individuals in a sample of sedentary healthy people (Johansen et al., 2000). The social cognitive theory (SCT) has been applied to various populations to understand physical activity behaviors in both healthy (Ince, 2008; Netz & Raviv, 2004; Petosa, Hortz, Cardina, & Suminski, 2004) and unhealthy populations (Basen-Enquist et al., 2010; Plotnikoff et al., 2008; Schwarzer, Luszczynska, Ziegelmann, Scholz, & Lippke, 2008). The purpose of this study is to use constructs of the SCT to better understand physical activity behaviors among patients on dialysis. Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8458 2012-08-08T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8421 A theory-based investigation of weight change and nutrition behaviors among college students. Dillon, Kimber J. This research targeted the weight and nutrition behaviors of college students to help tailor marketing and educational strategies to engage more students in healthy behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine weight change and nutrition behaviors of college students using SCT constructs, specifically environment, situation, and self-efficacy. A secondary aim of this study was to examine the differences by gender and between class years (1st year, 2nd year, 3rd year, and 4th year or greater). Data of interest was collected via a classroom based self-report assessment instrument and objective height and weight measures. Male and female college students were recruited for participation in this study. The results indicate the utility of the SCT in examining the weight change and nutrition behaviors among college students. The results also suggest that there are some differences in the weight change and nutrition behaviors of college students between class years and gender. Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8421 2012-08-08T00:00:00Z