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Purposes: To assess the self-identified food security knowledge and practices of nurse practitioners (NPs) in Ohio and the relationships of food security knowledge and practices to NP characteristics. Data sources: This study utilized a survey approach for data collection. Participants were licensed NPs with prescriptive authority in Ohio who were randomly selected from the Ohio licensure list and responded to a questionnaire (n= 288) with demographic and food security-related questions. Conclusions: Less than one third of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they were knowledgeable about the topic of food security. Education of NPs about food insecurity and about incorporation of food security principles into the healthcare process is needed. Implications for practice: Food insecurity can negatively impact compliance to prescribed treatments. NPs should address food security issues in order to provide specialized, individualized care to patients in order to achieve positive outcomes. Through evaluation of patients' food access, and factors that are related to food insecurity, this can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body image, diet, and anthropometric indices of children (male, N = 31; female, N = 34) from Appalachian Ohio were examined. Overweight incidence was high and comparable to other studies of children in this region. Body image distortion was not apparent. Body image dissatisfaction was common (69%) and typically associated with desiring a smaller size. Body mass index and percent body fat were positively correlated with body dissatisfaction, although no relationship between diet and body image was found. This study suggests that dietitians may confront higher rates of body image disturbances in both genders if the proportion of overweight children continues to rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity can lead to physical impairments, psychological suffering, and sociofamilial disturbances in individuals. Research continues to clarify the negative effects of food insecurity on the health of individuals across the life span. Dietetics professionals are uniquely positioned to assist in the efforts of helping to reduce food insecurity and to build community food security, and it is vital that education programs effectively educate future practitioners about food security. This article provides an insight into dietetic educators' food security knowledge and educational practices, reviews the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education's foundation knowledge and skills and competency statements related to food security, and provides practical suggestions for incorporating food security-related principles into dietetics curricula, including courses and rotations. Equipping future practitioners with food security knowledge will undoubtedly foster the improvement of the food security status of individuals and households. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the self-identified food security (FS) knowledge and practices of family physicians in Ohio using a survey. Licensed family physicians living in Ohio (N = 201) responded, with both doctors of osteopathic medicine (n = 61 [30.3%]) and doctors of medicine (n = 140 [69.7%]) participating in the study. Only 69 (34.9%) of the family physicians strongly agreed (n = 15, 7.6%) or agreed (n = 54, 27.3%) that they were knowledgeable about food security. Food security practices were not related to being a doctor of osteopathic medicine versus a doctor of medicine or to location of practice, but were related to self-identified food security knowledge (0.299, P < .001), years as a physician (0.178, P < .012), and referral to registered dietitians (0.133, P < .031), social workers (0.306, P < .001), and community agencies (0.328, P < .001). This study supports the need for family physicians to learn about food security and related practices, which may improve patient care and access to food. Dietetics professionals are ideally suited to foster this learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food security is an objective of Healthy People 2010 and an issue that affects dietetics practitioners. This article summarizes the self-identified food security (FS) knowledge and practices of licensed dietitians (LDs) in Ohio from a survey sent to 1599 LDs. Respondents' (n = 868/1599, 54.3%) FS practices were significantly related to (1) area of practice; community LDs considered FS to a greater degree than did clinical LDs; and (2) practice location; LDs practicing in urban areas considered FS to a greater degree than did suburban LDs. Almost 44% of LDs strongly agreed or agreed that they were knowledgeable about FS. Self-identified FS knowledge was related to the involvement of FS community service and research efforts by LDs. Practical suggestions are mentioned to incorporate FS into dietetics and nutrition practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a review of the service-learning literature as a foundation for a discussion on integrating service-learning into dietetics and nutrition education. The purposes of this review are to (1) define service-learning, (2) discuss how service-learning can enhance dietetics and nutrition education programs, (3) explain principles and best practices for integrating service-learning into dietetics and nutrition curricula, and (4) outline practical tips for orienting students for this experience and establishing sites for service-learning activities. The information shared has pedagogical implications and is transferable to any dietetics and nutrition education program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity is still found in approximately 10% of US households. Food security status can be measured reliably using the Food Security Survey Module. Nutrition and dietetics professionals have the skills to assist in the efforts to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and measure and strengthen food security in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]