Date of Award

Spring 8-1-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Family and Consumer Sciences

First Advisor

Sarah T. Hawkins

Second Advisor

Frederica Kramer

Third Advisor

Ernest Sheldon

Abstract

In 1999, the FDA approved a health claim for a relationship between intake of 25 grams of soy protein per day and reduced risk of heart disease. Literature suggests that consumers are increasingly krtowledgeable about diet and disease risk factors. While gender, age, race, and family history cannot be altered, diet may be changed to decrease risks. This study explored the relationship of demographic characteristics to consumer knowledge and use of some of the more popular soy products and supplements. Surveys were completed by a random sample of 100 attendees at area festivals and 100 nutrition professionals at a national convention. Statistical analyses included frequencies, the two ratio z- test, student's t-test, and chi square. Although nutrition professionals were significantly more familiar with benefits of soy foods, heart health was the major health relationship recognized by both groups. Knowledge of soy's relationship to heart disease was significantly related to age and nutrition training. Slightly more dietitians than members of the general public reported using soy foods. However, the general public had a significantly higher mean soy protein intake (p<0.000). The mean soy protein intake for soy users in the general population was 8.64± l.2grams as compared to 4.7± l.lgrams for nutrition professionals who were soy users. Significant demographic characteristics related to use of soy foods also included place of residence and family history of cardiovascular disease. Although only 12 percent of the study population reported using soy supplements, significant demographic characteristics related to soy supplement use were gender, age and place of residence. Rural women over 45 years old were the most frequent supplement users. Relationships between knowledge of a single health benefit of soy and use of soy products is complicated by the multiple reasons people report for using soy.

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