Research News You Can Use

Volume 3, Number 1
Winter 2004

Contents

Note from Nayda

This is the third year (first quarterly issue) of our series of research newsletters for use in your programs. We all appreciate your input and suggestions. We are very happy that our research newsletter has been so useful. For your convenience, the name of each contributor is linked to their e-mail address.

Thank-you to all faculty who contributed this issue: Rose Barnett, Linda Bobroff, Amy Simonne and Jo Turner.

--Dr. Nayda I. Torres, Professor and Chair, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences

Youth Court Findings: Implications for Extension Work with Adolescents

Barnett, Rosemary V. & Mulkerrin, Kathleen H. (2003). An Evaluation of the 2002 Aggressors, Victims and Bystanders for the Palm Beach County School Police, Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences

Barnett, Mulkerrin, Jackson and Smith (2003) recently completed a second study on the 12,191 juvenile first offender cases handled during the first seven years (of a ten-year study) of the Palm Beach County Youth Court, a program established by the Palm Beach County School District School Police Department. The goal of the program is to prevent juveniles from having a criminal record and becoming repeat offenders.

The study explored the nature of first crimes committed by gender, location, race, and age. The study also determined that the most juvenile first offenders processed in this youth court were 16-year-old white males, and the most common first offenses are retail theft, possession of marijuana, battery, possession of paraphernalia and petit theft. The study documented changing trends in crimes committed by year, age, race/ethnicity and location.

It also found that there were gender differences in first crimes committed by males and females. Females most frequently committed retail theft at higher rates than males, and to a lesser degree committed battery, possession of marijuana, disruption of school activity and possession of paraphernalia violations.

Female first crimes, focusing on retail theft, may indicate a growing trend toward shoplifting items that youth are either unable to purchase (due to lack of funds), or not allowed to purchase (due to parental controls). Further, the increasing role of shopping malls as a social environment for teens in urban areas may provide the perfect venue for youth to give in to temptations toward attaining what may otherwise be unattainable material possessions.

Extension agents, parents, and other influential adults may guide these young urban females to activities that are more productive and rewarding, such as clubs, service organizations, sports, and volunteer work. These efforts to broaden their exposure to positive environments and role models will serve to provide support to youth at-risk for negative behaviors while also providing a protective safety net of community resources. The long-term goal is to not only divert potential female youthful offenders from risky environments and peer influences, but also to increase their self-esteem and build behavior preferences that will lead to their becoming positive and responsible citizens in the future.

--Dr. Rose Barnett , Assistant Professor, Youth Development and Public Policy

Adult Preferences for the Delivery of Personal Finance Information

Summary

Alan Greenspan said that: "For an increasingly complex financial system to function effectively, widespread dissemination of timely financial and other relevant information among educated market participants is essential if they are to make the type of informed judgment that promote their own well-being and foster the most efficient allocation of capital."

Financial literacy tests reveal that high school seniors and adults fail to possess a sufficient understanding of economics. Programs have been designed to teach young people about financial markets but little research has been done to determine how programs can be delivered effectively to adults who are outside the traditional educational environment.

The researchers (Sherrie L. W. Rhine and Maude Toussaint-Comeau) identify the following reasons for financial education:

  • Rising consumer debt, especially from credit card use.
  • Positive impact on participants' future credit and payment behavior.
  • Self-directed pension and savings programs.
  • Need to safeguard the public against deceptive practices such as predatory mortgage lending and unsavory credit solicitation.
  • Advances in technology.

The researchers identified eight delivery methods and tested these with different audiences to determine the best method per audience. The eight methods are:

  • Internet
  • Video
  • Structured Course
  • Seminar
  • Newspaper
  • Pamphlet
  • Radio
  • Television

Findings showed that:

  • Newspaper, pamphlet, television, Internet, video, course, seminar and radio were preferred methods for the total sample.
  • Low-income respondents preferred newspaper, television, pamphlet, course, video, seminar, radio, and Internet.
  • Less educated respondents preferred newspaper, television, pamphlet, course, video, seminar, Internet, and radio.
  • Unbanked respondents preferred television, newspaper, course, pamphlet, video, radio, and Internet.
  • Females preferred communal or group interaction.

The Internet

The Internet was not a preferred method for older people, unbanked, lower income and less educated. The Internet was more likely to be chosen by males, Blacks and Hispanics than by whites.

Videos

Males are more likely to choose videos than females. The probability of Blacks and Hispanics choosing videos is 7 percentage points higher than for whites. Older adults are less likely to choose videos.

Formal Courses

Hispanics are more likely to choose formal courses than other groups. Individuals with some college are more likely to choose formal courses than college graduates.

Informal Seminars

Females select seminars more often than males. Married respondents are more likely to select seminars than unmarried respondents. Older adults, Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to choose this delivery method.

Newspapers/Magazines

Older adults and Black respondents are more likely to choose this method than their younger counterparts.

Pamphlets/Booklets

Blacks and Hispanics are more likely to choose this method than whites, the unbanked and the older populations.

Radio Programs

Radio programs are more likely to be chosen by lower-income, Black or Hispanic consumers, and older consumers than their younger cohorts.

Television Programs

Lower income, less educated, Black, Hispanic and older respondents are more likely than respective counterparts to choose this delivery method

Implications for Extension Programming

Findings from this study indicate that delivery methods for Extension programming in financial management be targeted to specific audiences. Newspaper and television are effective delivery methods. We will want to target our media to those publications read by our target audience and those television programs viewed by the target audience.

Source: Financial Counseling and Planning. The Journal of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education. Vol 13 (2), 2002

-- Dr. Jo Turner, CFP, Professor, Family and Consumer Economics

Micronutrients and Colon Cancer Risk

It has long been known that cancer risk is affected by diet. In general, a low-fat diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and moderate in foods of animal origin is associated with reduced risk of cancer, including colon cancer (Mason 2002). Relationships between the intake of specific nutrients and risk for various types of cancer are less well understood. Several nutrients and other dietary components have been examined in relation to colon cancer risk. In this article, we examine recent research studies that have investigated the potential role of multivitamin supplements, calcium, vitamin D, and dietary fiber in risk of colon cancer.

Researchers used a case-control study approach to examine the effect of multivitamin supplement use and colon cancer risk in 145,260 adults in the U.S. (Jacobs 2003). Participants in the study had completed a questionnaire that assessed their use of supplements as part of a previous study in 1982, and completed another survey in 1992 as baseline for the current study. After five years, 683 persons (cases) who had developed colon cancer during the five years of the study were compared with those who had not developed colon cancer (controls) to determine if taking a multivitamin was associated with risk for the disease. Those who took a multivitamin on a regular basis in the decade prior to the study (1982) had a reduced risk of having colon cancer. However, recent use of a multivitamin supplement did not significantly reduce colon cancer risk.

In this same study, researchers also compared intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements between persons who developed colon cancer and those who did not (McCullough 2003). Calcium intake from supplements was inversely related to risk of colon cancer. Those who consumed 500 milligrams or more of calcium per day had a relative risk of developing colon cancer of 0.69 compared with persons who consumed no supplemental calcium. In addition, men with higher vitamin D intake from either food or supplements had a lower risk of colon cancer (relative risk 0.71). Interestingly, the researchers found no relationship between colon cancer risk and dairy food intake.

A diet rich in dietary fiber has long been associated with reduced risk for colon cancer. Much of the evidence for a protective effect of dietary fiber came from epidemiological studies that compared dietary patterns and colon cancer risk among diverse populations. Populations that consumed a diet rich in high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, had lower risk of developing colon cancer than those whose diets were low in dietary fiber. However, recent research indicates that the relationship between fiber intake and colon cancer risk may not be as strong as once believed. At least two studies published this year indicated that dietary fiber may not be protective against colon cancer. The first, a study in Japan, examined fiber intake in Japanese men and women (Nakaji 2003). In this study, there was no difference in colon cancer incidence among those who consumed various levels of dietary fiber. In a recent case-control study in the U.S., fiber intake in older women was determined using a food frequency questionnaire (Mai 2003). After 8½ years, women who consumed the lowest level of dietary fiber were not at increased risk for colon cancer (or breast cancer) compared with women who consumed higher levels of dietary fiber. Another case-control study conducted with Black and white men and women, found that high intake of dietary fiber among Blacks was associated with a statistically significant 50 to 60% reduction in colon cancer risk (Satia-Abouta 2003). The 30% reduction in risk among whites who consumed a high fiber diet in this study was not statistically significant.

Summary: Clearly, the relationship between diet or intake of specific nutrients and colon cancer risk has yet to be clearly characterized. For example, early epidemiological studies pointed to a role for dietary fiber in protection against colon cancer. Despite recent clinical studies that have had conflicting results, health professionals continue to recommend that people consume a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables for overall good health. A recent position paper of the American Dietetic Association, "Health Implications of Dietary Fiber," recommended inclusion of fiber-rich foods to attain an intake of 20 to 35 grams per day for healthy adults, and age-plus-five grams per day for children (Marlett 2002). The Dietary Recommended Intake for fiber is 13 grams per 1000 calories.

Intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements, as well as multivitamin supplements may have a role in reducing risk of colon cancer, although these relationships have not been clearly defined. Other micronutrients that are being investigated for a potential role in colon cancer risk are folate and selenium. Lifestyle factors in addition to consumption of specific dietary components that are associated with colon cancer risk include physical inactivity, over consumption of calories, obesity (particularly excess abdominal adiposity), and smoking (Giovannucci 2002). Since colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., the research on dietary and other lifestyle risk factors is critical to help inform nutrition and health education and public health policy.

Implications for Extension Programming

Extension educators should continue to recommend consumption of a moderate calorie diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and moderate in foods of animal origin to support a healthy weight and consumption of adequate amounts of micronutrients and dietary fiber. There are many reasons to support this type of eating plan, including promotion of a healthy body weight, and reduced risk for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and heart disease. Whether or not specific nutrients included in this type of eating plan are shown to specifically reduce colon cancer risk, the reasons indicated above support promotion of this type of diet among our clients. 

Recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, such as increasing physical activity, balancing caloric intake and output, and not smoking, are important components of Extension nutrition and health programs. These practices contribute to overall health and reduced risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer, including colon cancer.

References:

Giovannucci E. Modifiable risk factors for colon cancer. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2002; 31(4): 925-43.

Jacobs EJ et al. Multivitamin use and colorectal cancer incidence in a U.S. Cohort: does timing matter? Am J Epidemiol. 2003; 158(7): 621-28.

Marlett JA, McBurney MI, Slavin JL. Position of the American Dietetic Association: health implications of dietary fiber. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 102(7): 993-1000.

Mason JB. Nutritional chemoprevention of colon cancer. Semin Gastrointest Dis. 2002: 13(3): 143-53.

McCullough ML et al. Calcium, vitamin D, dairy products, and risk of colorectal cancer in the Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort (United States). Cancer Causes Control 2003; 14(1): 1-12.

Nakaji S et al. No preventive effect of dietary fiber against colon cancer in the Japanese population: a cross-sectional analysis. Nutr Cancer. 2003; 45(2): 156-59.

Mai V. et al. Dietary fiber and risk of colorectal cancer in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP) follow-up cohort. Int J Epidemiol. 2003; 32(2):234-39.

Satia-Abouta J, et al. Associations of total energy and macronutrients with colon cancer risk in African Americans and Whites: results from the North Carolina colon cancer study. Am J Epidemiol 2003; 158(10): 951-62.

--Dr. Linda B. Bobroff, Professor, Nutrition

To Reuse or Not to Reuse Plastic Bottles: Is There a Question?

In recent months there have been several news items related to both microbial and chemical health risks of reusing plastic bottles such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

The microbial health risk news stemmed from a study looking at bacterial count in water from the personal water bottles of elementary students at a school in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (1). In this study the researchers examine drinking water taken directly from the personal water bottles of students. The researchers analyzed total bacterial counts, fecal coliforms (type of bacteria that indicate fecal contamination) and other bacteria. The researchers found that the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines (CWQG) criterion on bacterial count was exceeded for total coliform in 13.3% of 75 samples. Fecal coliform and total heterotrophic criteria were exceeded in 8.9% (of 68 samples) and 64.4% (of 76 samples) respectively. As a result, this study did not recommend the use of personal water bottles in elementary student classrooms.

The chemical health risk news stemmed from a Masters of Science thesis at the University of Idaho (2). The study examined water in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles which were exposed to realistic but extreme reuse conditions, such as sunlight, heat, and storage time. Water samples were then analyzed for selected chemicals. This study found four compounds migrating from PET bottles, with DEHA (di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate, an additive for plastic) being the highest. The result of this study, however, contradicts earlier researches by the Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology and the Swiss Federal Lab for Materials Testing and Research (3).

The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA) studied the migration of organic components from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles to the water under the conditions of solar water disinfection (SODIS): 6 bottles were exposed to sunlight at 60°C. For comparison, 6 bottles were exposed to sunlight at room ambient temperature (maximum water temperature 34°C) and 3 bottles were kept in the shade at room temperature (25°C), respectively. Total time of exposure to sunlight was 17 hours. In order to elaborate the possible influence of further parameters, new and used bottles from different countries (Honduras, Nepal, and Switzerland) were selected. Qualitative analyses of the water samples revealed traces of several organic compounds possibly due to flavor components of the originally bottled beverages. Above a detection limit of 1 µg/L, no further organic components could be detected.

They found little migration of photoproducts or additives from PET bottles into water in 2000. Using bottles from Honduras, Nepal and Switzerland, the max concentrations detected were 0.046 ug/L for DEHA (World Health Organization guideline 80), and 0.71 ug/L for DEHP (WHO guideline is 8). The issue is of great concern to the World Health Organization, as PET bottles are used extensively for SODIS system. In developing counties, water is stored in PET bottles and left in the sun for several hours as an effective way of water disinfection. The Swiss organization left PET bottles under intensive sunlight for 5-6 hours, and found photochemical aging of bottles did not change the quality of water stored in bottles with regard to aldehyde, organic photoproduct (organic chemical compounds formed when bottles are exposed to sunlight), additive, or phthalate concentrations.

What are the Takehome Messages?

  1. In an ideal situation, these disposable water bottles are manufactured for one time use only, thus they should not be reused! These bottles are often soft and flexible and are not suitable for harsh cleaning and sanitizing without damaging the structure.
  2. In a less than ideal situation, however, if one has to reuse these bottles, do so with proper cleaning on a daily basis. Nevertheless, the product should not be reused for more than a month.
  3. Based on a body of literature, reusing any personal item (including bottles, glass, etc) without regular cleaning or sanitizing will definitely result in higher bacterial counts. The profile of bacteria resembles the sources of the recontamination. After all, bacteria is everywhere even on our body. That is why we need to wash and sanitize eating utensils and other personal items (clothing) often.
  4. While the first study (1) might prompt lots of questions about reusing bottles or containers, washing after each use can help reduce the bacterial number to a reasonably safe level for a healthy person.
  5. As far as the leaching of toxic materials into water goes, if the plastic bottles are used for a specific purpose within a recommended time, it should be reasonably safe. All plastics (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate) are made for specific use with a specific lifetime. Abusive use of any item will result in increase risk.
  6. The bottom-line is people need to use products based on recommended use as specified by law and regulations, which are provided to protect them.

For more information:

http://www.plasticsinfo.org/food/DEHA1.html

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/botwatr.html

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/drinkingwater/st_micro.htm

  1. Oliphant JA, Ryan MC, Chu A. Bacterial water quality in the personal water bottles of elementary students. Can J Public Health September/October 2002, Vol.93, No.5:366-67.
  2. Lilya, D. (2001). Analysis and risk assessment of organic chemical migration from reused PET plastic bottles. (MScThesis Environmental Engineering). USA, University of Idaho, Environmental Science Program.
  3. Kohler, M. (2003). Migration of organic components from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into water. (Report 429670). St. Gallen, Switzerland, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA)

Dr. Amy Simonne, Assistant Professor, Food Safety and Quality