Hsci 460 Research In Health And Human Sciences Assignment ✓ Solved
Hsci 460 Research In Health And Human Sciencesassignment
For this assignment include the following: Describe, in detail, the research design you would employ for answering your revised research question and include your revised research question in this Assignment; type of research design (experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental), subject characteristics such as study (accessible) population, method of sampling, sample size, possible control group vs. experimental group; environmental factors (such as location of the study, time of day, etc.) that you would control (also called controlled variables); duration of the study; briefly describe the procedures/techniques you will need to use to gather data from the subjects; description of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria; and possible anticipated outcome of your study.
Paper For Above Instructions
In the field of Health and Human Sciences, the development and design of a research study are critical for addressing specific health-related questions. This paper outlines a detailed research design for the revised research question that seeks to explore the impact of nutrition education on dietary changes in low-income families. The design will incorporate various aspects such as the type of research, study population characteristics, sampling method, environmental controls, and data collection procedures.
Revised Research Question
The revised research question is: "How does a structured nutrition education program affect the dietary habits of low-income families over a six-month period?" This question targets a vital area of public health, especially among populations vulnerable to food insecurity and diet-related health issues.
Research Design
This study will utilize a quasi-experimental design since it aims to measure the impact of a nutrition education intervention on dietary habits without random assignment to groups. The primary advantage of a quasi-experimental design is its applicability in real-world settings where randomization may not be ethical or feasible. The study will include a pre-test and post-test assessment to measure dietary changes.
Subject Characteristics
The target population for this study will be low-income families residing in urban areas, who generally face more obstacles in accessing nutritious foods. The accessible population will be recruited from community health centers and food assistance programs. The study will focus on families with children aged between 5 and 12 years, as this age group is crucial for establishing healthy eating habits. Sample size calculation suggests that at least 100 families will be needed to achieve statistical significance.
Sampling Method
A convenience sampling method will be employed to recruit participants. The researchers will collaborate with local community organizations to identify families that meet the inclusion criteria. They will be informed about the study via flyers and community meetings, allowing interested families to apply. Inclusion criteria will include families with at least one child aged 5 to 12 years and household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. Exclusion criteria will include families with known disorders impacting dietary habits, such as eating disorders or severe allergies.
Possible Control and Experimental Groups
The study will involve a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group will participate in the nutrition education program, which consists of weekly workshops covering meal planning, shopping on a budget, and cooking healthy meals. The control group will receive standard community resources but will not participate in the workshops. This design allows for a comparison of outcomes between groups.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as the location of the study will play a significant role in the research design. The workshops will be conducted at community centers during weekday evenings to accommodate participant schedules. The time of day for data collection will also be consistent across all participants, ensuring that dietary recalls and observations are standardized. Controlled variables will include the availability of specific foods and cooking resources in households before and during the study.
Duration of the Study
The duration of the study will be six months. Initially, families will undergo a baseline assessment where they will provide information about their dietary habits through food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recalls. Following the nutrition education workshops, participants will be reassessed to determine any changes in their dietary habits.
Data Collection Procedures
Data will be gathered through various techniques. The primary method will be the use of food frequency questionnaires to assess dietary habits before and after the education program. Additionally, participants will complete 24-hour dietary recalls at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the intervention. Focus groups will also be conducted to gather qualitative data regarding participants' experiences and perceived barriers to making dietary changes.
Anticipated Outcomes
The outcomes of this study are anticipated to demonstrate improvement in dietary habits among families in the experimental group compared to those in the control group. It is expected that families will report increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while decreasing intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed foods. Positive changes in lifestyle behaviors related to nutrition may lead to better health outcomes, such as reduced risk of obesity and related chronic diseases.
Conclusion
The research study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of nutrition education programs in altering dietary habits within low-income communities. Moreover, it may contribute to the development of similar programs aimed at improving public health and addressing food insecurity issues in urban settings.
References
- Eatright.org. (2021). Nutrition education: Evidence-based strategies for effective practices. American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Higgins, J. P., & Thompson, S. G. (2002). Quantifying heterogeneity in a meta-analysis. Statistics in Medicine, 21(11), 1539-1558.
- McNaughton, S. A., & Oakley, A. (2016). Effectiveness of a nutrition education program on dietary habits of low-income families: A review. Journal of Public Health, 38(2), 232-240.
- Valladares, M. (2019). The impact of nutrition education on food choices in low-income families: A systematic review. Nutrients, 11(9), 2001.
- Hollis, J. M., & Hands, B. (2020). Community nutrition education programs: Best practices in engaging low-income families. Journal of Community Health, 45(1), 77-87.
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2021). Food security status of U.S. households in 2020. Economic Research Service.
- Ball, S. C., & Ward, D. S. (2017). Obesity in low-income families: A review of the effectiveness of nutrition education programs. Public Health Nutrition, 20(9), 1546-1556.
- Fletcher, S. R., & Noone, A. (2018). Nutrition education interventions for improving healthy food choices among lower-income families. Health Promotion International, 33(5), 828-837.
- Siegel, P. A. (2017). Exploring dietary changes post-nutrition education: Insights from low-income households. Preventative Medicine Reports, 7, 37-40.
- Pérez-Escamilla, R. (2018). Latinx families and nutrition education: A systematic review. Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology, 4(1), 6.