The article “Effect of Nutrition Supplement Education on Nutrition Supplement Knowledge among High School Students from a Low-Income Community” by Little et al (2002) discusses the problem of nutrition supplements and importance of education about this group of food intake among low income adolescents. The authors state that nutritional supplements are extremely popular today because they allow health care industry to improve public health and prevent diseases. Thus, many young people are unaware of possible health-related problems associated and caused by Nutrition Supplement. The aim of the research is to analyze the nutrition supplements knowledge among low income students and give recommendations for further education (Leedy and Ormrod, 2004).
The research is based on qualitative methodology which helps the authors to evaluate knowledge level and skills possessed by students. Also, the research evaluates “knowledge between genders and among class levels” (Little et al, 2002). The authors use qualitative research because it helps them to stipulate certain criteria and evaluate quality of knowledge. The most significant factor may be that of the availability of the necessary information, though such factors must have a place in some of the most difficult decisions which are taken in nutrition practice. The sample consists of 39 students. The design involves interventions and post-interventions testing. Also, a questionnaire helps the authors to collect personal information about students and data about their preferences and identify their dietary patterns. The ethical issues surrounding the treatment of students are settled both medically and legally speaking. In contrast to quantitative research design, the qualitative research emphasizes the phenomenological basis of a research, and elaborates description of the “meaning” of phenomena for the people under examination (Leedy and Ormrod, 2004). For instance, patterns of food intake can be identified with the help of qualitative research only.
For statistical analysis, the research uses the Solo power estimation program. It helps to single out consumption patterns and the most common problems caused by nutrition supplements intake. Data in this study are coded according to a priori operational and standardized procedures. It was necessary to adopt some standard by which one can measure whether the qualitative and the quantitative that includes both methodologies is the most effective way in reaching truth. It is found that calcium is one of the old supplements used by healthcare industry, thus recent years it becomes highly publicized. Supplements providing 20% to 24% carbohydrate can be added to increase carbohydrate intake in phase two. Following qualitative design, the researchers identify that this supplement becomes publicized because it affects physiologic structure and physical functions. The food behavior is influenced by family and social cultural factors but parents should not forget about traditional supplements such as Vitamin D responsible for bone formation and homeostasis of calcium and phosphorus. The food habits of adolescents in low income communities are important not only in ensuring an adequate diet to support growth, but also in developing lifelong health.
In sum, the research study is based on the quantitative methodology which helps the researchers to evaluate food patterns and the dietary behavior among low income adolescents. It is found that further education is needed to educate and teach students how to use nutrition supplements in everyday food intake. No arguments as to the quality of life should be allowed to obscure this basic principle of humanity.
References
- Leedy, D. P., Ormrod, J. (2004). Practical Research Planning and Design 8th edition. Prentice Hall; 8 edition.
- Little, J. C., Perry, D. R., Volpe, S. L. (2002) Effect of Nutrition Supplement Education on Nutrition Supplement Knowledge among High School Students from a Low-Income Community. Journal of Community Health, 27 (1), p. 433.