TABLE 3. Illustrations of Action-Oriented Research Characteristics of “Topic(s) of Study” and “Processes/Influences” in Nutrition Journals
Key TopicsTopic(s) of StudyProcesses/Influences
National policyUS, Ireland, UK, dietary guidelines, growth charts, nutrition in child-care settings, revision process, development process, communications initiativesTranslation at local/regional levels, barriers to and extent of adoption, revisions, evaluation, practitioners’ understanding of growth charts, cost implications, public health expenditures
Workforce developmentCertification programs, register of nutritionists, required core functions, teaching and training initiatives, midwifery breastfeeding counselingConstraining/enabling factors, stakeholder consensus on core functions, incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques into breastfeeding counseling
ProgramsPublic-private partnerships, church-based, transdisciplinary platforms for interventions, e.g., health, agriculture, market, social protectionPartnership opportunities, changed program practices, cost-effectiveness, challenges for dissemination, new evaluation framework, development of young adult obesity program based on community-based participatory research, implementation fidelity
SchoolsNutrition guidelines, school gardensInstructional process, decision making, environment, food service offerings, food preparation practices
GlobalImmigrant experience, political instability, economic instability, drought, global food system, regional early warning systemsFood nostalgia and cultural symbolism, household provision of care for people living with HIV/AIDS, real cost of food, policy options to improve food security, ability to predict food crises
OtherMedia content, employers’ attitudes toward mother-friendly work environments, breastfeeding peer support services, grocery store marketing and promotion, WIC-authorized storesConfusion resulting from media news reporting, eating maps, food store stocking and pricing behavior changes after food assistance program changes, employer readiness to provide breastfeeding accommodations, marketing on packaging
  • Abbreviation: WIC, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.