Papers by Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy
Preventive Medicine, 2016
Afterschool programs (ASPs) across the US are working towards achieving the standard of all child... more Afterschool programs (ASPs) across the US are working towards achieving the standard of all children accumulating 30min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during program time. This study describes the two-year impact of an intervention designed to assist ASPs meeting the 30min/day MVPA standard. Using a two-year delayed treatment, group randomized controlled trial, 20 ASPs serving ~1700 children/year (6-12yrs) were randomized to either an immediate (n=10, baseline-2013 and 2yrs intervention fall-2013-to-spring-2015) or delayed group (n=10, baseline 2013-2014 and 1yr intervention fall-2014-to-spring-2015). The intervention, Strategies-To-Enhance-Practice (STEPs), focused on programming MVPA in the daily schedule, training of staff and leaders, and ongoing technical support/assistance. Accelerometry-derived proportion of children meeting the 30min/day MVPA standard was measured in the spring of each year. Mixed model logistic regressions were used to examine the change in the odds of achieving the MVPA standard. Analyses were conducted in 2015. Data were collected in one southeastern US state. Immediate boys (n=677) and delayed girls (n=658) increased the percent achieving 30min MVPA/day from 35.9% to 47.0% (odds ratio [OR]=1.88, 95% CI 1.18-3.00) and 13.1% to 19.1% (OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.03-1.96). Immediate girls (n=613) and delayed boys (n=687) exhibited a nonsignificant increase from 19.1% to 21.6% (OR=1.20, 95% CI 0.84-1.72) and 29.0% to 31.3% (OR=1.13, 95%CI 0.80-1.58). STEPs can have an impact on children's MVPA and time spent sedentary, yet was unable to fully achieve the goal of all children accumulating 30minMVPA/day. Additional efforts are need to identify strategies ASPs can use to meet this important public health standard.
Childhood obesity (Print), Jan 20, 2016
In 2011, the YMCA of the United States adopted physical activity standards for all their aftersch... more In 2011, the YMCA of the United States adopted physical activity standards for all their afterschool programs (ASPs), which call for children to accumulate 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) while attending YMCA ASPs. The extent to which youth attending YMCA ASPs achieve this standard is unknown. Using a cluster-stratified design, 20 ASPs were sampled from all YMCA-operated ASPs across South Carolina (N = 102). ASPs were visited on four unannounced, nonconsecutive weekdays. Accelerometer-derived minutes spent in MVPA were dichotomized to ≥30 min/d of MVPA and <30 min/d of MVPA. Program characteristics were measured through document review and direct observation and compared to MVPA levels using random-effects quantile regression. Boys (n = 607) and girls (n = 475) accumulated a median of 25.3 and 17.1 min/d of MVPA, respectively, which translated into 33% (range 6.2%-67.3%) and 17% (0%-42.6%) achieving the 30 min/d of MVPA standard, respectively. Increase...
Translational Behavioral Medicine, 2016
Both mobile apps and responsive-design websites (web apps) can be used to deliver mobile health (... more Both mobile apps and responsive-design websites (web apps) can be used to deliver mobile health (mHealth) interventions, but it can be difficult to discern which to use in research. The goal of this paper is to present four case studies from behavioral interventions that developed either a mobile app or a web app for research and present an information table to help researchers determine which mobile option would work best for them. Four behavioral intervention case studies (two developed a mobile app, and two developed a web app) presented include time, cost, and expertise. Considerations for adopting a mobile app or a web app-such as time, cost, access to programmers, data collection, security needs, and intervention components- are presented. Future studies will likely integrate both mobile app and web app modalities. The considerations presented here can help guide researchers on which platforms to choose prior to starting an mHealth intervention.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 2015
This study examined differences in diet, particularly vegetarian and vegan, among ultramarathon a... more This study examined differences in diet, particularly vegetarian and vegan, among ultramarathon and other long distance runners. Participants who had completed a half- (HALF), full- (FULL), or ultramarathon (ULTRA) in the past 12 months were recruited to complete an online survey assessing current diet, reason for diet, and other dietary behaviors. A total of 422 participants completed the survey (n=125 ULTRA, n=152 FULL, n=145 HALF). More ULTRA participants were men (63%) (vs. FULL (37%) and HALF (23%)) and ULTRA participants reported significantly more years of running (16.2 ± 13.6) than FULL (12.1 ± 11.1, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05) or HALF (10.6 ± 11.6, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). Body Mass Index (self-reported height/weight) was significantly higher in HALF (24.3 ± 4.4 kg/m2) vs. FULL (23.1 ± 3.2 kg/m2, P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). ULTRA runners were almost twice as likely to report following a vegan/vegetarian diet than HALF and FULL marathoners combined (B=1.94, 95% CI=1.08, 3.48) and reported following their current diet longer (13.7±15.3 years) than HALF participants (8.6±12.1 years, P=0.01). ULTRA participants more commonly cited environmental concerns whereas HALF and FULL participants cited weight loss or maintenance as a reason for following their current diet. There was no difference in diet quality between ULTRA and other runners but vegan and vegetarian runners had higher diet quality scores than non-vegetarian runners (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001). The findings point to an interconnectedness between long distance running, diet, and diet choice and can help guide nutrition, exercise, and psychology professionals who are working with distance runners.
Human fertility (Cambridge, England), Jan 20, 2015
The goal of this study was to determine how many clinics providing in vitro fertilization (IVF) i... more The goal of this study was to determine how many clinics providing in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the United States require a body mass index (BMI) or body weight cut-off point to determine treatment eligibility. US clinics listed as members on the Society of Assisted Reproduction website in late 2013 were contacted by phone between January and March 2014. Clinic personnel were asked if a BMI or body weight cut-off points was used to determine IVF treatment eligibility and what strategies they recommended for their patients to achieve a healthy body weight. Of the 379 clinics contacted, 347 responded (92% response rate) and 35% (n = 120) reported using a BMI or body weight cut-off points to determine eligibility for IVF treatment. Mean BMI (± SD) cut-off points was 38.4 ± 5.2 kg/m(2) and mean body weight (± SD) cut-off points was 130.2 ± 14.8 kg. Of the clinics using a set cut-off points, half (46%) provided no weight loss recommendations for patients. A sizable portion of US IVF c...
Translational behavioral medicine, 2013
Little is known about how online social networking can help enhance weight loss. To examine the t... more Little is known about how online social networking can help enhance weight loss. To examine the types of online social support utilized in a behavioral weight loss intervention and relationship of posting and weight loss. A sub-analysis of the content and number of posts to Twitter among participants (n = 47) randomized to a mobile, social network arm as part of a 6-month trial among overweight adults, examining weight loss, use of Twitter, and type of social support (informational, tangible assistance, esteem, network, and emotional support). A number of Twitter posts were related to % weight loss at 6 months (p < 0.001). Initial reported weight loss predicted engagement with Twitter (p < 0.01) but prior Twitter use or initial Twitter engagement did not. Most Twitter posts (total posts n = 2,630) were Informational support (n = 1,981; 75 %), with the predominant subtype of Teaching (n = 1,632; 62 %), mainly in the form of a status update (n = 1,319). Engagement with Twitter w...
Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 2014
Objective: To examine the types of life and dietary goals individuals report and how these goal d... more Objective: To examine the types of life and dietary goals individuals report and how these goal domains interact as framed by goal systems theory. Methods: This work is a cross-sectional survey study. Measures included the incidence of common life and dietary goals and how these goals interact with and facilitate each other. Results: The results of a quantitative survey (n = 46 participants), which was informed by two focus groups (n = 17 participants), showed that participants are trying to achieve several different life (e.g. achieving financial success) and dietary goals (e.g. eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and losing weight) and that these two types of goals interact to both facilitate and conflict with each other. Having a life goal of exercising was significantly associated with healthy eating goals when compared with other life goals (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .05), suggesting these goals may be linked and help to facilitate one another. Being in the maintenance phase with the goal of healthy eating was associated with participants feeling like they were more successful in their other non-diet-related health goals (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .05), suggesting maintenance of goals can facilitate success in achieving other goals. Conclusions: Life goals can have an impact on a person&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s ability to achieve and maintain dietary and other health goals. Health educators may help to facilitate long-term behavior change by examining a person&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s life goals as well as dietary goals.
Current Diabetes Reports, 2014
Approximately 20 %-25 % of adults worldwide have metabolic syndrome. Vegetarian and vegan diets h... more Approximately 20 %-25 % of adults worldwide have metabolic syndrome. Vegetarian and vegan diets have demonstrated effectiveness in improving body weight, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk factors, as compared with conventional therapeutic approaches, and are potentially useful in the prevention of metabolic syndrome. This article consists of two steps: (1) a review of the literature on studies examining vegetarian and vegan diets and metabolic syndrome and (2) a review of foods and nutrients that are protective against or associated with metabolic syndromes that may help to explain the beneficial effects of plant-based dietary approaches for metabolic syndrome. The present review found eight observational research studies, and no intervention studies, examining the association of plant-based dietary approaches with metabolic syndrome. These studies, conducted mostly in Asian populations, yielded varying results. The majority, however, found better metabolic risk factors and lowered risk of metabolic syndrome among individuals following plant-based diets, as compared with omnivores. Some dietary components that are lower in the diets of vegetarians, such as energy intake, saturated fat, heme iron, and red and processed meat, may influence metabolic syndrome risk. In addition, plant-based diets are higher in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, which are protective against the development of metabolic syndrome.
Journal of Women's Health, 2007
Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2008
Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2009
Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2010
Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, 2004
The American Journal of Medicine, 2005
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2009
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Papers by Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy
Charis R. Davidson, MPH, CHES 1, Brie Turner-McGrievy,PhD1, DeAnne K. Hilfinger Messias,PhD2, Daniela B. Friedman,PhD1, Alyssa G. Robillard,PhD1
1 Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina
2 College of Nursing, University of South Carolina
Background:
Despite the historic presence of campus ministries at state universities, limited research explores their role in the lives and health of students. Existing research on campus ministries focuses on student perspectives, and social norms of these organizations.
Methods:
Campus ministry leaders (n=19) at a large Southeastern university participated in in-person semi-structured interviews about their experiences with students and familiarity with resources (e.g. healthcare services, educational programs) available to students from the university or in the surrounding area. A feminist narrative interpretative analysis was used to highlight similarities and differences in interviewee’s experiences. Open coding, focused coding and constant comparative approaches were used to capture interviewees’ experiences in campus ministry, including working with students and encounters with university offices and community agencies.
Results
Interviewees sought to provide faith development, safe spaces for students to discuss difficulties in their lives, and pastoral care for students during crises. They referred students to mental health providers both on and off campus and provided transportation to appointments. Interviewees identified unfamiliarity, differing values, and communication challenges as barriers to obtaining assistance for students on and off campus, and lack of formal university affiliation as an additional barrier to accessing university resources. Interviewees stated that personal relationships with mental health providers facilitated collaboration.
Conclusions
Campus ministry leaders improved access to mental health services for their students, though campus ministry leaders’ could potentially be more effective in linking students to services if barriers were reduced.