About the Program
In 2003 the School of Human and Consumer Sciences introduced an Honors Program. The program offers academically qualified students a more advanced and challenging educational experience related to the study of human and consumer sciences. The program provides opportunities for involvement in scholarly independent work, one-on-one interaction with faculty, and an in-depth study of one area of human and consumer sciences.
Throughout the Honors Program, students work under the guidance of a Faculty Honors Advisor and the Honors Program Coordinator to plan and complete scholarly projects. Students complete specific courses during which a project/thesis is designed, executed, reported in writing, and presented to the students’ honors advisory committee and others. Projects may be research, development of educational materials, in-depth senior term papers, or original designs. Those students who successfully complete their honors projects receive special designation on their diplomas.
Program Contact
Margaret Manoogian, Ph.D.
manoogia@ohio.edu
Telephone: 740.593.2874
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2003-04 Honors Projects
Cardiovascular risk factor analysis of fifth grade students in West Virginia
Student: Megan Kinnison; Honors Advisor: Darlene Berryman
Abstract: Subjects included 259 fifth grade students in Wood County, West Virginia. Hematological, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected. Parents/guardians completed a questionnaire addressing dietary beliefs and attitudes. Mean BMI was 20±4.7 with 40% of subjects being overweight or at risk for being overweight. CVD risk factors found were: 2.3% had high total cholesterol, 7.2% had elevated triglycerides, 4.5% had elevated LDL levels, and 3.6% had high VLDL. Not accounting for testing anxiety, 18.3% had high blood pressure and 81.7% had high normal blood pressure. Data from the survey shows that the parent/guardian is aware that diet is related to CVD, but expressed little interest in education. The results of this study indicate that CVD risk factors are prevalent in this population and that innovative educational methods or delivery is necessary.
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Halt Hunger on the Hocking: A Needs Assessment
Student: Jacqueline Hart; Honors Advisor: David Holben
Abstract: The improvement of food security status of American households has been identified as a goal in Healthy People 2010, however much needs to be done to reach this goal (www.health.gov/healthypeople/). Food security has been defined as “all people at all times having access to enough food for an active, healthy life” (1). Current statistics show that 11.1% of American households are food insecure, meaning these individuals have limited access to or availability to acquire food in socially acceptable ways (2). Food insecurity has many negative effects, including reduced dietary intake, malnutrition, poor health, and increased risk for chronic disease. While the state of Ohio shows a rate of food insecurity that is less than the national average, the rural areas of Southeast Ohio present with averages that are higher than that of the national average. The purpose of this honor’s project is to conduct a need’s assessment to determine factors influencing food insecurity in the area and the need for emergency feeding and food assistance programs. Preliminary findings indicate there is a need for such programs in the community, and the project will attempt to address this need through a food drive. In addition, a learning module for emergency feeding and food assistance programs will be developed for students in Community Nutrition, HCFN 424, and as a service learning project, they will assist in the implementation of the food drive.
1. Life Science Research Office. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. (1990) Core indicators of nutritional state for difficult to sample populations. J Nutr, 102, 1559-1660.
2. (2002) Position of the American Dietetic Association: Domestic food and nutrition security. J Am Diet Assoc, 102, 1840-1844.
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Food security status and its relationship to dietary intake, perceived health, and BMI among older adults participating in a senior meals program in Appalachian Ohio: A Pilot Study
Student: Andrea Fleming; Honors Advisor: David Holben
Abstract: Food insecurity implies a limited access to, or availability of food, or a limited or uncertain ability to acquire food in socially acceptable ways, and may lead to a suboptimal quality of life and health. Elders from food insufficient households have lower BMIs than elders from food sufficient households. They are also likely to report their health status to be fair or poor. Research indicates that food insecurity is associated with lower dietary intakes of several key nutrients. The purpose of this study is to measure food security and its relationship to dietary intake and perceptions of health of elderly individuals participating in a senior food assistance program in a non-metropolitan Appalachian county. Participants had transportation (n=10, 58.8%), and did not: 1) have garden in the spring or summer (n=11, 64.7%); 2) depend on others for food (n=12, 70.6%); 3) receive food stamps (n=11, 64.7%); or 4) obtain food from food banks (n=13, 76.5%). Of those participating, 10 (58.8%), 4 (23.5%), and 3 (17.6%) were food secure, food insecure without hunger, and food insecure with hunger respectively. Food security status was related to (Kendall’s tau) lacking transportation (0.708, p=.002), not having a garden (0.477, p=.038), depending on others for food (0.685, p=.003), and receiving Food Stamps (0.553, p=.016). Health scores were not significantly correlated with food security status (Pearson, p>.05). Likewise, BMI (24.5±4.4), caloric intake (1868±716), and intake of 1) vegetable (2.5±1.4); 2) grain (4.7±2.7); 3) meat/alternative (2.5±1.5); 4) milk/dairy (2.0±1.0); 5) fruit (2.2±1.1); and 6) fat (2.3±1.3) servings were not related to food security status (Pearson, p>.05).
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Effects of Divorce on Adult Children: A Strengths Perspective
Student: Jennifer Lauren Holt Honors Advisor: Jennifer Chabot
Abstract: With over half of all marriages ending in divorce the United States, it is important to consider the long-term effects of divorce on children of all ages. Current research has exposed both the positive and negative outcomes of divorce on children both young and old. Under the research guidance of Dr. Jennifer Chabot, Assistant Professor of Child and Family Studies, I am analyzing a small portion of the collected data from her “Impact of Divorce on College Students: A Strengths Perspective” study. This study is taking a positive approach of adult children and their wellbeing despite a parental divorce in the familial structure. We are using a feminist and qualitative research approach to study the experiences of male and female adult children and how divorce has impacted their lives. Dr. Chabot uses an open-ended interview that lasts 60 to 90 minutes to gather the data. Each interview is then transcribed and coded for emerging themes.
Of the 55 undergraduate and graduate students at Ohio University that have been interviewed by Dr. Chabot, I have worked intensely with ten of these transcripts. By using the strengths perspective model to study the experiences of these adult children, we have found that they maintain healthy personal characteristics and a positive sense of hope for their futures. In my own research, through coding and categorizing the data, I will be focusing on the following themes: 1) how adult children describe their well-being in the context of their parent’s divorce and 2) how the relationships between the adult child and his or her parents has exhibited change or stability over time.