Lifeskills in a Tribal College November 5, 2016 Stacey Zephier Student United Tribes Technical College
What is Lifeskills in a Tribal College? Study Objective To explore the effects of a culturally relevant life skills curriculum Focus on self-efficacy and healthy food choices among Tribal college students Used mixed methods of teaching Participants were purposively sampled and newly enrolled college students
What is Lifeskills in a Tribal College? Met 2 times per week, 4 hours session for 1 semester Grandmother figure, round table (talking circles), small groups Each Class Lesson covered Nutrition Budgeting Meal Planning & Preparation Gardening Meal preparation Family style dining Learning new cooking techniques Each meal followed MyPlate
What is Lifeskills in a Tribal College? Data was gathered by Graduate Student from an 1862 NDSU – Jill Keith Pre and post surveys with each student Students tracked by random numbering system Research was done in 4 groups 2 fall & 2 spring semesters Total of 22 students enrolled in research project Curriculum used Large variety of lessons and family consumer science topics Feedback recorded by the Grandmother Narrowed to 36 topics for current curriculum
Strategies Taste Exposure to flavorful & healthy foods can impact taste & perception of healthy foods American Indian/Alaska Native Cultural Traditions & Practices Personal Motivation Factors Health goals Physical activity & nutrition knowledge
Goals Increase college retention rates Identify barriers and strategies for healthy food choices Improve self efficacy, nutrition knowledge, and change dietary behaviors
What I Learned Food storage & money saving tips Healthy food preparation Gardening Homemade ointments using Native herbs Basics of taxes Bullying Thinking creatively and critically for parenting
What the Study Showed Quantitative Analysis General Self-Efficacy Many reported an increase (non-significant) Majority reported increased perceived capability Nutrition Knowledge Non-significant changes Most could identify what should be limited in the diet Nutrition Attitudes & Beliefs All recognized importance of relationship between food and health All recognized the role of overweight/obesity in health risk
What the Study Showed (continued) Quantitative Analysis Dietary Behaviors Increases in healthy dietary behaviors Eating with family Cooking meals at home Fruit intake Consumption of regular meals Decreases in unhealthy dietary behaviors Watching TV during meals Dining out Consumption of soda and sugar sweetened beverages
Extension Nutrition Educator For more information: Extension Nutrition Educator Jana Millner jmillner@uttc.edu 701-221-1397