2011-2012 Grantees

PI Names: Helena Laroche, MD

Project Title: Supporting Improved Nutrition at School Concession Stand: Testing a How to Guide

Dept/College: Department of Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Abstract:

A previous project in partnership with the Muskie Boosters of Muscatine showed that

concessions stands can make changes and retain profits. The lessons learned during that project

have been combined with insights from two other projects to create a How to Guide for groups

who want to make changes. This pilot aims to test the use of that guide in combination with

phone support to help groups make changes. The information learned from this pilot will be

used to improve the guide. The goal is a larger study of the refined guide to examine adoption

and effectiveness. We will recruit 5 groups to test the guide and collect profit data on other

similar groups who do not make changes as a comparison group. Evaluation will include

surveys of students, surveys of group members, key informant interviews of group leaders and

collection of income, expense and profit data.

PI Names: Trudy Burns, MPH, PhD, FAHA and Joanna Morrissey, MS

Project Title: Using Adolescent Motivation and Meaning of Physical Activity and Health to Implement and Evaluate a Life-Situation Specific Physical Activity Intervention

Dept/College: Department of Epidemiology/ Department of Health and Human Physiology

Abstract: The study of rural adolescents’ health behaviors (e.g., physical activity (PA), nutrition) should consider their personal life experiences as well as barriers and facilitators from multiple sources (e.g., personal, social, cultural, environmental). While social ecological models have been used to study PA determinants of rural adolescents, few studies have engaged adolescents in the formative research phase when developing and implementing PA interventions. Understanding PA determinants from a gender, life experience and social ecological perspective is necessary to develop effective PA interventions. The proposed project uses a three-step approach to study adolescent’s health behaviors. First, formative research will use qualitative methods and a social-ecological perspective to gain insight into psychological, social, cultural and environmental influences of adolescents’ PA in rural Iowa. This information will lead to the development and subsequent evaluation of a multi-level gender- and life-situation-specific PA intervention for middle and high school students from Muscatine, IA.

PI Names: Kevin Finn, PhD and Heather Olson, EdD

Project Title: On-line Physical Activity Programming for Rural Child Care Professionals

Dept/College: School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services, University of Northern Iowa

Abstract: 

Specific Aim and Objectives:

To develop on-line educational modules for early childhood care providers on the topic of healthy active lifestyles with the specific objective to increase physical activity levels in young children.  

Objective #1.  The materials used in the teacher training workshop for Project PLAY (Preschool Lessons for Active Youngsters) will be converted to digital media that represent the environment during the Saturday workshops at the University of Northern Iowa.

Objective #2.  A series of on-line education modules in physical activity programming will be produced with the intent of offering early childcare professionals in a rural setting the same opportunity for professional development credits as their counterparts in the urban settings.

Objective #3.  A preliminary evaluation for the modules will be performed using standard online assessment procedures developed for the UNI on-line delivery programs.

PI Names: Marizen Ramirez , MPH, PhD, and Tammy Wilgenbusch, PhD

Project Title: Feasibility of a parent-based program in preventing stress among traumatically injured children in Iowa

Dept/College: College of Public Health and Pediatric Psychology, University of Iowa and UI Children's Hospital

Abstract:

Children who experience trauma (e.g., motor vehicle crashes, fails and burns) are at risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and depression. Parents, especially those from rural communities, are often ill-equipped to identify indicators of distress among their children and lack information about mental health services. In this pilot study, we will adapt an existing psychological first aid program. The intervention, meant to be delivered in the home, equips parents with skills to identify risk factors for stress among their children, access advanced mental health care resources in their communities, and provide education about coping strategies. We will conduct qualitative formative research to refine the intervention program and then we will conduct a small-scale randomized controlled trial of families of injured children seen at the UI Children's Hospital. Our long-term goal is to finalized the intervention and prepare for a large-scale randomized controlled trial.