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Southern Miss Study Reveals Knowledge Of Basic Nutrition Information Low in Delta Region |
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008 |
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Contact Jeannie Peng 601.266.5568
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A recent study conducted by Department of Nutrition and Food System professors at The University of Southern Mississippi reveals low nutrition literacy among adults in the Lower Delta region, an important factor in the fight against chronic diseases that plague Mississippi.
The study showed 52 percent of the 177 participants had limited knowledge of the basic nutrition information needed to make appropriate dietary decisions.
"We showed people pictures of different food pyramids, and they could not identify the most recent one," said Dr. Jamie Zoellner, assistant professor. Department of Nutrition and Food Systems chair Dr. Kathy Yadrick, Dr. Wendy Bounds, Dr. Carol Connell and LaShaundrea Crook also conducted research for the study, funded by the Southern Rural Development Center.
These Southern Miss researchers are part of the Delta Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative that identifies and attempts to address nutrition related problems and their causes in the community.
Zoellner explained how the latest food pyramid has been heavily promoted via the Internet by the United States Department of Agriculture at MyPyramid.gov. However, the majority of those surveyed said they obtained their information through television.
"Television is their main exposure to nutritional information, which we know does not always send the most helpful messages," Zoellner said. "Right now, nutrition information is available at doctors' offices and the Internet - two resources limited in that region. Where do we expect them to find this information?"
Connell said studying how people receive their health information is vital to ensure that they understand the best dietary needs for their bodies.
"It is important to determine whether nutrition literacy would impact the way we would approach addressing nutrition-related problems," Connell said. "By understanding more about nutrition literacy, we could develop nutrition education programs that would be useful and have a positive effect on changing people’s dietary behaviors."
About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.
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