Paper
Thursday, July 22, 2004
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Thursday, July 22, 2004
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
This presentation is part of : Posters I
Differences in Behavioral Markers and Biomarkers for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Among Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese Rural Women
Carol H. Pullen, EdD, RN1, Susan Noble Walker, EdD, RN, FAAN1, Linda S. Boeckner, PhD, RD2, Patricia A. Hageman, PT, PhD3, and Maureen K. Oberdorfer, MPA, BSMT1. (1) College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA, (2) University of Nebraska Research and Extension Center, Scottsbluff, NE, USA, (3) Division of Physical Therapy Education, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
Learning Objective #1: n/a
Learning Objective #2: n/a

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the differences in behavioral and biomarkers for healthy eating and physical activity among normal weight [body mass index (BMI) <25)], overweight (BMI 25 to 29.9) , and obese (BMI 30+) midlife and older rural women. Peri- and post-menopausal women are vulnerable to weight gain while they are at greater risk for chronic disease. Design: Descriptive correlational design. Population, Sample, Setting, Years: 225 rural women aged 50 to 69 enrolled in a project to improve activity and eating (2002-03). Concept or Variables Studied Together: Behavioral markers (daily caloric intake, daily food group servings, daily caloric expenditure) and biomarkers (serum lipids, resting heart rate/minute, blood pressure, % body fat, V02 max and 10 timed chair stands) of activity and eating. Methods: Women completed a computerized assessment at two rural sites with reliable and valid measures of behavioral markers, the Block Health Habits and History Questionnaire and 7-day Activity Recall. Biomarkers were measured by a specially trained registered nurse. Findings: Two separate MANOVAs with Bonferroni correction were conducted with significant group differences found for 5 serum lipids (F=1.10, p=.03), and for V02 max, resting heart rate, blood pressure, and % body fat ( F=15.82, p<.001). Groups were significantly different for HDL cholesterol, and for V02 max , % body fat, resting heart rate and blood pressure. One-way ANOVAs followed by Scheffe’s multiple comparison tests found significant differences for daily caloric intake, daily fruit and meat group servings, daily caloric expenditure and chair stands. Obese women generally differed from overweight and/or normal weight women. Conclusions and Implications: Some behavioral and biomarkers differed among the BMI categories. The findings suggest the need to individualize healthy eating and physical activity interventions for weight loss with rural women according to BMI (weight) category.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004