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Simone A French

Publications and source records attributed to Simone A French.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Weight-bearing physical activity among girls and mothers: relationships to girls' weight status.

OBJECTIVE: To assess weight-bearing physical activity (WBPA) barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, social influence, and behaviors [WBPA and physical activity (PA)] among girls and their mothers according to girls' weight status (nonoverweight vs. overweight). RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were 9- to 11-year-old girls (n = 295) and their mothers who participated in the baseline assessment of a nutrition and PA intervention trial. Girls' and mothers' WBPA attitudes and mothers' WBPA behaviors were self-reported on questionnaires. Girls' WBPA and total PA behaviors were self-reported using a structured interview (Physical Activity Checklist Interview). Stature and weight were measured by standardized anthropometrics. Overweight status was based on BMI. RESULTS: Compared with nonoverweight girls, overweight girls were significantly more likely to report barriers to WBPA participation and perceive social influence from family and friends to do more WBPA. They were also significantly less likely to report self-efficacy regarding WBPA and to believe that they did enough WBPA. Compared with mothers of nonoverweight girls, mothers of overweight girls were significantly more likely to report that it is difficult to persuade their daughters to do more WBPA and significantly less likely to report that WBPA was fun for their daughters. Girls' overweight status was not associated with girls' reports of minutes spent per week in PA or WBPA. DISCUSSION: The present study's findings of lower WBPA self-efficacy, lack of enjoyment of WBPA, and higher perceived social influence to do WBPA among overweight girls suggest that efforts are needed to promote physical competencies and positive perceptions of PA among overweight girls.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Promotions to increase lower-fat food choices among students in secondary schools: description and outcomes of TACOS (Trying Alternative Cafeteria Options in Schools).

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe promotional activities, particularly student-led, targeting lower-fat à la carte foods that were conducted in secondary schools; and (2) to describe the relationships between the number and duration of total promotional activities for lower-fat à la carte foods and cafeteria sales of such foods over two years. DESIGN: Promotional activities were implemented in schools that were randomised to the intervention condition of a larger, two-year, school-based, randomised, controlled nutrition intervention trial. SETTING: Ten Minnesota secondary schools. SUBJECTS: Students and school faculty, school food-service and research staff (measured at the school level). RESULTS: Over two years, 181 promotions were implemented (n=49 in Year 1 and n=132 in Year 2). In Year 1, the number of promotions conducted in schools was significantly associated with percentage lower-fat food sales. In Year 2, the duration of promotions was significantly associated with percentage lower-fat food sales. CONCLUSIONS: Collaborative efforts among students, school food-service staff and research staff can be successful in implementing a large number of nutrition-related, school-wide promotional activities. These efforts can increase the sales of lower-fat foods in à la carte areas of school cafeterias.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

An environmental intervention to promote lower-fat food choices in secondary schools: outcomes of the TACOS Study.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated an environmental intervention intended to increase sales of lower-fat foods in secondary school cafeterias. METHODS: Twenty secondary schools were randomly assigned to either an environmental intervention or a control group for a 2-year period. The intervention increased the availability of lower-fat foods and implemented student-based promotions. RESULTS: A steeper rate of increase in sales of lower-fat foods in year 1 (10% intervention vs -2.8% control, P =.002) and a higher percentage of sales of lower-fat foods in year 2 (33.6% intervention vs 22.1% control, P =.04) were observed. There were no significant changes in student self-reported food choices. CONCLUSIONS: School-based environmental interventions to increase availability and promotion of lower-fat foods can increase purchase of these foods among adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Environmental interventions to promote vegetable and fruit consumption among youth in school settings.

BACKGROUND: This paper reviews the available literature on the school food environment with a focus on identifying effective strategies to promote vegetable and fruit (VF) consumption among youth in school settings. METHODS: Studies were identified through a search of electronic databases as well as references cited within published articles. Seven studies were identified that evaluated changes in VF intake and included a control group. Four additional school-based interventions were reviewed that focused on changes in VF intake as part of a multibehavior intervention. RESULTS: Multicomponent school interventions have been effective in increasing F intake, with reported increases ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 servings per day. Impact on V intake has been less effective, with increases ranging from 0 to 0.3 servings per day. Total VF increases ranged from 0 to 0.6 servings per day. Results of environmental-only, school-based interventions have shown positive effects on students' choice of targeted foods. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental change interventions in schools show potential for positively affecting VF consumption among youth.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

National trends in soft drink consumption among children and adolescents age 6 to 17 years: prevalence, amounts, and sources, 1977/1978 to 1994/1998.

OBJECTIVES: Trends between 1977/1978 and 1994/1998 in the prevalence, amounts, and sources of soft drink consumption were examined among youth age 6 to 17 years. DESIGN: Dietary intake data were examined from three national surveys: the Nationwide Food Consumption Survey 1977/1978 (n=8,908), and the combined Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1994/1996, and the Supplemental Children's Survey 1998 (n=3,177). Soft drinks were defined as carbonated beverages (all United States Department of Agriculture database codes starting with 924) and included flavored waters and juice drinks. Subjects/Setting A national sample of youth ages 6 to 17 years were interviewed for each of the 3 surveys. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: t tests were conducted to examine between-survey changes in soft drink consumption and sources of soft drinks. RESULTS: The prevalence of soft drink consumption among youth ages 6 to 17 years increased 48%, from a prevalence of 37% in 1977/1978 to 56% in 1994/1998. Mean intake of soft drinks more than doubled, from 5 fl oz to 12 fl oz per day. Although the home environment remained the largest source of children's soft drink access, an increasing share was obtained from restaurants and fast-food establishments (+53%), vending machines (+48%), and other sources (+37%). CONCLUSIONS: Away-from-home sources of soft drink are an important factor for dietitians to consider when evaluating the dietary intake and nutritional status of youths.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Cigarette smoking for weight loss or control among adolescents: gender and racial/ethnic differences.

PURPOSE: To describe gender and racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of cigarette smoking for weight loss or control in an adolescent population-based sample, and relationships among heavy smoking, weight concerns and smoking to lose or control weight. METHODS: Anonymous questionnaires were administered to 81,247 9th and 12th grade public school students across the state of Minnesota in 1998. Variables of interest included smoking frequency, weight concerns, and smoking for weight loss or control. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the odds of smoking to lose or control weight by race/ethnicity and gender, and to evaluate the relationships between smoking to lose or control weight and heavy smoking, perceptions of overweight, and weight concerns by race/ethnicity and gender. RESULTS: With the exception of black females, female smokers of different racial/ethnic groups were as likely as white girls to smoke for weight loss or control. Compared to white male smokers, American Indian and Asian American male smokers were more likely to smoke for weight loss or control, and black, Hispanic, and mixed race male smokers were equally likely to smoke for weight loss or control. Heavy smokers, smokers who perceived themselves as overweight or were weight-concerned were significantly more likely to report smoking as a weight control method. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking for weight control is prevalent across many race/ethnic groups and both genders among adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Pricing effects on food choices.

Individual dietary choices are primarily influenced by such considerations as taste, cost, convenience and nutritional value of foods. The current obesity epidemic has been linked to excessive consumption of added sugars and fat, as well as to sedentary lifestyles. Fat and sugar provide dietary energy at very low cost. Food pricing and marketing practices are therefore an essential component of the eating environment. Recent studies have applied economic theories to changing dietary behavior. Price reduction strategies promote the choice of targeted foods by lowering their cost relative to alternative food choices. Two community-based intervention studies used price reductions to promote the increased purchase of targeted foods. The first study examined lower prices and point-of-purchase promotion on sales of lower fat vending machine snacks in 12 work sites and 12 secondary schools. Price reductions of 10%, 25% and 50% on lower fat snacks resulted in an increase in sales of 9%, 39% and 93%, respectively, compared with usual price conditions. The second study examined the impact of a 50% price reduction on fresh fruit and baby carrots in two secondary school cafeterias. Compared with usual price conditions, price reductions resulted in a four-fold increase in fresh fruit sales and a two-fold increase in baby carrot sales. Both studies demonstrate that price reductions are an effective strategy to increase the purchase of more healthful foods in community-based settings such as work sites and schools. Results were generalizable across various food types and populations. Reducing prices on healthful foods is a public health strategy that should be implemented through policy initiatives and industry collaborations.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗
PubMed2003

Food environment in secondary schools: a la carte, vending machines, and food policies and practices.

OBJECTIVES: This study described the food environment in 20 Minnesota secondary schools. METHODS: Data were collected on school food policies and the availability and nutritional content of foods in school à la carte (ALC) areas and vending machines (VMs). RESULTS: Approximately 36% and 35% of foods in ALC areas and in VMs, respectively, met the lower-fat criterion (< or = 5.5 fat grams/serving). The chips/crackers category constituted the largest share of ALC foods (11.5%). The median number of VMs per school was 12 (4 soft drink, 2 snack, 5 other). Few school food policies were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of healthful foods and beverages in schools as well as school food policies that foster healthful food choices among students needs greater attention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

School food policies and practices: a state-wide survey of secondary school principals.

OBJECTIVE: To describe food-related policies and practices in secondary schools in Minnesota. DESIGN: Mailed anonymous survey including questions about the secondary school food environment and food-related practices and policies. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Members of a statewide professional organization for secondary school principals (n = 610; response rate: 463/610 = 75%). Of the 463 surveys returned, 336 met the eligibility criteria (current position was either principal or assistant principal and school included at least one of the grades of 9 through 12). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics examined the prevalence of specific policies and practices. Chi2 analysis examined associations between policies and practices and school variables. RESULTS: Among principals, 65% believed it was important to have a nutrition policy for the high school; however, only 32% reported a policy at their school. Principals reported positive attitudes about providing a healthful school food environment, but 98% of the schools had soft drink vending machines and 77% had contracts with soft drink companies. Food sold at school fundraisers was most often candy, fruit, and cookies. APPLICATIONS: Dietetics professionals who work in secondary school settings should collaborate with other key school staff members and parents to develop and implement a comprehensive school nutrition policy. Such a policy could foster a school food environment that is supportive of healthful food choices among youth.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed2002

Ethnic/racial differences in weight-related concerns and behaviors among adolescent girls and boys: findings from Project EAT.

OBJECTIVE: To compare weight-related concerns and behaviors across ethnicity/race among a population-based sample of adolescent boys and girls. METHODS: The study population included 4746 adolescents from urban public schools in the state of Minnesota who completed surveys and anthropometric measurements as part of Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), a population-based study focusing on eating patterns and weight concerns among teenagers. Main outcome measures included measured body mass index (BMI), weight-related concerns (perceived weight status, weight disparity, body satisfaction and attitudes about weight control) and weight-related behaviors (general/specific weight control behaviors and binge eating). RESULTS: In comparison to White girls, African American girls tended to report fewer weight-related concerns/behaviors, while Hispanic, Asian American and Native American girls tended to report similar or more concerns/behaviors. Among boys, weight-related concerns/behaviors were equally or more prevalent among all non-Whites than among Whites. In particular, African American and Asian American boys were at greater risk for potentially harmful weight-related concerns/behaviors than White boys. CONCLUSIONS: Weight-related concerns and behaviors are prevalent among adolescents, regardless of their ethnic/racial background, indicating a need for prevention and treatment efforts that reach adolescents of different ethnic backgrounds. However, ethnic differences demonstrate a need for ensuring that the specific needs of different groups are addressed in the development of such interventions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Factors in the school cafeteria influencing food choices by high school students.

This study set three objectives: 1) to examine the perceived influence of health concerns, labeling and nutrition information, taste, cost, availability, and peers on adolescents' food choices, particularly in the school cafeteria; 2) to determine whether these factors vary by gender, grade level, or adolescents' health and weight concerns; and 3) to provide recommendations regarding promotion of low-fat foods in the school cafeteria based on factors associated with food choices. Data were collected from a school survey that assessed key influences on adolescents' food choices, including low-fat foods. Some 289 students in grades 10-12 from a senior high school in a metropolitan area served as subjects. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and general linear models were used for analysis. Results indicated that, when choosing foods from the school cafeteria, taste and getting a lot for their money were important to most students (93.7% and 71.7%, respectively). Females, and students who thought about their health and weight more frequently when deciding what to eat, were more likely to report greater interest in labeling and nutrition information and availability of low-fat foods in the school cafeteria. Findings suggest that efforts to promote low-fat foods to adolescents need to address the taste of low-fat foods, availability of low-fat options, and point-of-purchase labeling of low-fat foods. Focusing on the value and cost of low-fat foods may offer a key strategy for promoting low-fat foods to males.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A pricing strategy to promote sales of lower fat foods in high school cafeterias: acceptability and sensitivity analysis.

Prices of four low fat foods were reduced about 25% and prices of three high fat foods were increased about 10% to determine the impact on food purchases in a Midwestern suburban high school cafeteria to explore the impact of price on purchases. Low fat foods averaged about 13% of total sales. Sensitivity analysis was used to estimate that low fat foods would probably have averaged about 9% of total sales without the reduced price.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nutrition labeling and value size pricing at fast-food restaurants: a consumer perspective.

PURPOSE: This pilot study examined nutrition-related attitudes that may affect food choices at fast-food restaurants, including consumer attitudes toward nutrition labeling of fast foods and elimination of value size pricing. METHODS: A convenience sample of 79 fast-food restaurant patrons aged 16 and above (78.5% white, 55% female, mean age 41.2 [17.1]) selected meals from fast-food restaurant menus that varied as to whether nutrition information was provided and value pricing included and completed a survey and interview on nutrition-related attitudes. RESULTS: Only 57.9% of participants rated nutrition as important when buying fast food. Almost two thirds (62%) supported a law requiring nutrition labeling on restaurant menus. One third (34%) supported a law requiring restaurants to offer lower prices on smaller instead of bigger-sized portions. CONCLUSION: This convenience sample of fast-food patrons supported nutrition labels on menus. More research is needed with larger samples on whether point-of-purchase nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants raises perceived importance of nutrition when eating out.

Adolescent↗