Diet & Nutrition Knowledge Research Project

The Project

To understand what nutritional factors may contribute to an individual's weight and how that contributes to overall health, it is necessary to know what a person eats. The amounts and types of traditional and store-bought foods consumed, and how individuals choose those foods, are key to understanding the benefits of a traditional diet. The nutritional information gathered from this study will assess the characteristics that are important in the prevention or risk of obesity. The survey process will also include the collection of basic physical measures such as height, weight and percent of body fat.

A YKHC Research Partner was hired to facilitate information exchange with the study communities and coordinate the collection of surveys. The dietary intake tools were developed from community interviews, as well as input from key informant interviews with village store personnel, local health representatives from each village, and the YKHC Research Partner. Each participant will receive an individualized nutritional analysis and information sheet. These materials will be developed in collaboration with YKHC to ensure that they are culturally-appropriate and user-friendly.

Activities

· Set up times and participants for the group interviews
· Hold the group interviews
· Interpret the findings from the interviews with the community
· Work with YKHC staff to prepare a diet and nutrition knowledge survey
· Work with the YKHC Research Partner to train community representatives to conduct the survey
· Work with YKHC staff to gather physical information and body image charts
· Meet with YKHC staff to understand the findings of the data collected
· Provide insight to the development of health education tools to address obesity

Principal Investigator

Bret Luick, Ph.D.
Cooperative Extension Service &
Center for Alaska Native Health Research
University of Alaska
PO Box 756180
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6180
Ph. 907-474-6338
FAX 907-474-5139