The Evolution of Research in Family and Consumer Sciences: Food, Nutrition, and Health

Abstract

Changing perspectives in food, nutrition, and health are bringing new research opportunities. Knowledge that nutrients and other food substances prevent chronic disease expanded the study of dietary requirements beyond merely obviating deficiency. Government policy makers mandate food guidance programs to enable consumers to choose foods that are culturally appropriate yet support health. Intervention strategies leading to suitable food behavior are needed to address the rising health costs associated with aging and chronic diseases. Functional foods carrying added health benefits have gripped the attention of food producers and consumers, yet much is to be learned regarding long term effects. FCS professionals are uniquely qualified to study not only the theoretical bases of these issues but also their impact on the physical and psychosocial well‐being of families. Research methods and applications must be incorporated at all academic levels to prepare FCS professionals to meet the research opportunities and challenges ahead.

Mortality due to hypertensive diseases: evidence from the southern border of Mexico in the period 1998-2014

“…Como sugiere la evidencia, la dieta representa un determinante clave en la investigación sobre causas relacionadas con desórdenes de salud, tales como las enfermedades hipertensivas, entre diferentes grupos poblacionales. Se ha documentado de forma extensa que la manera en la que los individuos procesan la información y toman decisiones basadas en determinantes tales como sus preferencias, disponibilidad de elecciones alternativas y las restricciones de ingreso, tienen una fuerte influencia sobre las manifestaciones de salud (11,12) , en particular, la dieta, como una expresión de tales procesos, representa un elemento clave para el desarrollo de enfermedades hipertensivas.…”

The Family and Consumer Sciences Body of Knowledge and the Cultural Kaleidoscope: Research Opportunities and Challenges

“…Today, they continue to contribute to periodic updating of the recommended dietary allowances and the identification of other standards for various populations prone to nutrition-related diseases (e.g., higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes among African Americans; Schlenker, 2001). Historically, researchers in home economics departments were pioneers in nutrition research where they played a key role in identifying the essential nutrients and establishing standards for dietary health.…”

“…For example, Schlenker (2001) has noted that the need for culturally appropriate nutrition materials to address the concerns of individual groups will grow in importance as the U.S. population becomes more diverse in age, ethnicity, and health status. For example, Schlenker (2001) has noted that the need for culturally appropriate nutrition materials to address the concerns of individual groups will grow in importance as the U.S. population becomes more diverse in age, ethnicity, and health status.…”

“…Historically, researchers in home economics departments were pioneers in nutrition research where they played a key role in identifying the essential nutrients and establishing standards for dietary health. Today, they continue to contribute to periodic updating of the recommended dietary allowances and the identification of other standards for various populations prone to nutrition-related diseases (e.g., higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes among African Americans; Schlenker, 2001). Research in housing and resource management has contributed to the knowledge base on basic human needs of diverse groups, including perception of housing (e.g., expectations, satisfaction, and deficits), housing for older adults and special users (e.g., homeless, persons with disabilities), and ethnic differences in expenditure patterns (Beamish, Ahn, & Selling, 2001;Fan, 1998).…”

“…Furthermore, family and consumer sciences researchers can address the swiftness of change in the cultural kaleidoscope by taking the lead in ensuring that those in the field have a knowledge base that can enhance cultural competence. For example, Schlenker (2001) has noted that the need for culturally appropriate nutrition materials to address the concerns of individual groups will grow in importance as the U.S. population becomes more diverse in age, ethnicity, and health status. Similar to Paulin's (2001) work that examined the variations in intraethnic food purchase patterns among the various groups identified as "Hispanic," researchers in the field can go beyond a more homogeneous approach in studying diverse groups to examining within-group differences.…”