Katherine Dickin
Research Associate
2008
HENutrSci Web Bio Page
Current Activities
Current Research Activities
Applied research on the implementation, management, and evaluation of community nutrition programs for low-income populations.
Formative research and process evaluation on interventions to prevent unhealthy weight gain among low-income children, delivered through educational programs for parents and community collaborations to promote environmental change.
Development and testing of instruments to the assess the effectiveness of nutrition education in promoting behavior change.
Community-based participatory research to engage low-income families in critical reflection on factors influencing their children's health and food and activity choices.
Qualitative and quantitative research related to nutrition education, health services, young child feeding and hygiene practices in Africa.
Current Extension Activities
The Collaboration for Health, Activity, and Nutrition in Children's Environments (CHANCE): a pilot project designed to prevent unhealthy weight gain among children by addressing family, behavioral and environmental factors. CHANCE is implemented through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in 8 Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) sites in New York State.
The Whole Community Project: a collaborative program with Tompkins CCE to facilitate the involvement of diverse community members in dialogue and action to support healthy food and activity environments for children in Tompkins County.
Biography
Biographical Statement
My primary interest is in the effectiveness of maternal and child nutrition programs in improving nutritional status and reducing health disparities in the US and globally. I conduct formative research to guide program design, study program implementation to examine how contextual factors influence effectiveness, and develop evaluation approaches to monitor program success. My work in the US involves Cooperative Extension nutrition education programs, paraprofessional community educators, community-based participatory research, and the prevention of childhood overweight through behavioral and environmental change. My international work has focused on young child feeding, undernutrition, micronutrient malnutrition, and primary health care in Africa and Asia.
Education
Ph.D. 2003 - Cornell University, Nutrition
M.S. 1986 - Cornell University, Nutrition
B.A.Sc. 1982 - University of Guelph (Canada), Child Development
Courses, Websites, Pubs
Related Websites
Food and Nutrition Education in Communities http://www.fnec.cornell.edu/
Selected Publications
Dickin KL, Dollahite JS, Habicht J-P. Job satisfaction and retention of Community Nutrition Educators: The importance of perceived value of the program, consultative supervision, and work relationships. (submitted).
Paul KH, Dickin KL, Ali NS, Monterrosa EC, and Stoltzfus, RJ. Soy- and rice-based processed complementary food increases nutrient intakes in infants and is equally acceptable with or without added milk powder. Journal of Nutrition 2008; 138: 1963-1968.
Dickin KL and Dollahite JS. Community nutrition programs in the era of welfare reform: Adaptation, collaboration, and innovation. FASEB Journal 2006; 20: A28.7.
Dickin KL, Dollahite JS, Habicht J-P. Nutrition behavior change among EFNEP participants is higher in well-managed sites and where front-line nutrition educators value the program. Journal of Nutrition 2005 135: 2199-2205.
Dickin KL, Dollahite JS, Habicht J-P. Professionalism among paraprofessional Community Nutrition Educators: How job design influences work motivation. FASEB Journal 2004; A359.7.
Dickin KL, Dollahite JS, Hammer TH, Habicht J-P. Can a large-scale program sustain the motivation of front-line nutrition workers? FASEB Journal 2002; 16: A234.
Pelto GH, Dickin K, and Engle P. Promoting child well-being: the case for integrated growth and development interventions. In Promoting Growth and Development in Under Fives. (eds: P. Kolsteren, T. Hoeree, A. Perez-Cueto E.) Antwerp: ITG Press. 2002. pp. 222-232.
Dickin K, Griffiths M, Piwoz E. Designing by Dialogue: Consultative research to improve young child feeding. Washington, DC: The Support for Analysis and Research in Africa Project; Health and Human Resources Analysis, USAID, 1997.
Griffiths M and Dickin K. Promoting the growth of children: What works. Rationale and guidance for programs. Washington, DC: The World Bank, 1995.