i

THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL DIETARY DRINKS TO THE

HEALTH STATUS OF JUNIOR BSN STUDENTS

An Undergraduate Thesis Proposal

Presented to the

Faculty of the College of Nursing

Holy Name University

Tagbilaran City

by

Hermes Castrodes, Jr. Clifford Mark Ibarra

Daphne Claire Cardino Oziel Lacea

Nadine Francis Crame Patrick Geoffrey Visarra

Stephanie Gabinez Theresa Villanueva

October 2008
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DEDICATION

This piece of literary masterpiece of

Art, science, ethics and student endeavor

Is dedicated to the most supportive mentors,

Parents, friends, and fellow students.

The researchers are in debt to you

All. Also, to the school who realized our

Dreams, Holy Name University, who has given

Her unlimited resources and internet connection.

Without her, this would be impossible.

Lastly, to the almighty Father, for

Giving us strength and perseverance needed

For the work ahead.

APPROVAL SHEET
 iii

This thesis entitled “The Therapeutic Effects of Commercial Dietary Drinks to the

Health Status of Junior BSN Students” prepared and submitted by: Hermes

Castrodes, Jr., Daphne Claire Cardino, Nadine Francis Crame, Stephanie

Gabines, Clifford Mark Ibarra, Oziel Lacea, Theresa Villanueva, and Patrick

Geoffrey Visarra. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for English 19 (College

Research Paper) has been examined and is recommended for acceptance and

approval for ORAL EXAMINATION.

THESIS COMMITTEE

Dr. Eddie Babor, L.L.B.

Content Adviser and Technical Adviser

Mr. Ace P. Uy, MA

Statistician

Mrs. Elizabeth Floresca, RN, MAN

Chairman

Mrs. Maria Cecilia Berue Mrs. Rosalina Rara-Sarabosing

Member Member

Accepted and approved for Oral Examination

MRS. ELIZABETH A. FLORESCA, RN, MAN

Dean, College of Nursing
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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As the hardships near its end, joyful and conflicting moments pass, we

would like to thank the special people who believed in us. Without these persons

this research study would not achieve its proposal. Thus, it is the researchers

desire and profound pleasure to extend their deepest appreciation.

First, to the Almighty Father, who guided us and gave us the knowledge

and strength needed for this study in the midst of hardships and hopelessness.

the parents, for their undying love and support both emotionally and

financially, and for their patience on the sleepless nights and overtime work the

researchers experienced for the study.

Dr. Eddie Babor, the content adviser and technical adviser, for her

constructive criticisms, time, assistance, and for pointing out on what needs to be

done for giving us literal guidance and making this proposal prepared well.

Mr. Ace P. Uy, the Statistician, whose energy and enthusiasm for numbers

has given the students fun moments and vigor to work hard.

And to Mrs. Lourdes Aparicio, our Nursing Research Instructor, for

introducing us into this academic undertaking;

Table of Contents
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Page

Title Page… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … i

Dedication … … … … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … … .. ii

Approval Sheet … … … … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … iii

Acknowledgement… … … … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … …. iv

Chapter 1

I THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE 1

Rationale… … … … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … 1

Theoretical Background of the Study… … … … … … … … … … … . 3

THE PROBLEM 8

Statement of the Problem… … … … … … … … … … … …… … … . 8

Assumption ……………………………………………………………….. 8

Statement of the Hypothesis… … … … … … ...… … … … … … … 9

Significance of the Study … … … … … ...… … … … … … … … … 9

Scope and Limitation… … … … … … …. … … … … … … … … … . 10

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 11

Research Design… … … … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … 11

Research Environment… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … .. 11

Research Participants……………………………………………...……... 12

Research Instruments… … … … … … … … … … … … ... … … … 12

Statistical Treatment ……………………………………………………… 13

Definition of Terms… … … … … … … … … … ..… … … … … … … 13

Bibliography… … … … … … … … … … … … ….. … … … … … … 14

CHAPTER I
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THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

RATIONALE

Today, in the modern age where the media controls the widest and most

convincing influence, it’s really hard to dispute on what commercials say. Some

of the most popular products were on health, especially dietary drinks. There

were about 6,000 different dietary drinks in the US alone and all claim that it

could make you achieve your ideal weight in the shortest time possible. These

drinks contain an adequate amount of carbohydrates calories necessary for a

normal person aiming to lose weight. The thing about commercials is that they

always omit the whole picture. They only present the good effects.

Dietary drinks were different types of juices, sodas and shake mix

specifically designed to lose weight, or formulated for health disorders like

diabetes. These drinks have great benefit for health like; (1) Fiber helps in proper

digestion and cleans the GI tract, preventing constipation and alleviating

diarrhea, (2) Diet Sodas contain caffeine for alertness and energy for the hectic

work ahead. Lower calories enable the fat, stored in the body, to metabolize to

supply the needed energy, and (3)protein for proper muscle tone and body built.

However, health practitioners, dietary consultants, and even the

consumers have posted some of their concerns on these dietary drinks based

on, what they lack and what they contain that could alter our health, may it be

good or bad. Consumers are so “consumed” by their approach to the solution

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that there were so much they overlooked. One is Aspartame an artificial

sweetener used in these products. Although it lacks the calories bilked in

ordinary sugars, it is said to contain 92 different side effects, some are adverse

effects, associated with dietary drinks. Absence of sugar also means that there

was an absence of glucose needed for thinking. Another is caffeine present in

most diet sodas. This substance was addictive in the brain and kidneys and is

also a dehydrating agent. Most of all, no one disputes on the lack of nutrition in

these diet drinks.

Internationally or even Nationally most college students also fail to

recognize the value of proper nutrition present in each dietary plan, as long as

they achieve their ideal weight in record time, least amount of effort and stress

free solution. Some skip meals when their near deadlines and some think their

drinks and a few carbohydrates are enough to sustain them for the next meal in

order to save money, time and effort. The above reasons alone show that most

students enter classes with inadequate mental capability, energy, attention span

and responsiveness needed in a regular classroom setting because of the lack of

glucose and nutrients.

Therefore, the researchers will conduct a study on the perception of the

health benefits and disadvantages of commercial dietary drinks pertaining to the

Health Status of Junior Nursing students. The reason for this was to help

correct, clarify and expand these perceptions. Ultimately, the goal was to extend

the base of knowledge of commercial dietary drinks based on the respondent’s

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perception of their health related to their experienced or perceived affects of

dietary drinks.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

Diet soft drinks represent about 30 percent of the US soft drink market,

6.6 percent up on the previous year, and this ignores diet-drinks sales in most

convenience stores. Against a background of rising obesity and concerns about

diet nutrition, critics of diet drinks point to the adverse health effects of two

particular ingredients of diet drinks: caffeine and artificial sweeteners. Concerns

about caffeine in diet sodas revolve around its addictive effects on the brain, as

well as the kidneys. Caffeine has diuretic properties, and is a dehydrating agent,

one reason why a person is inclined to drink so many cans of soda every day

without ever being satisfied (Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005). Also

Caffeine as a stimulant also causes alertness, irritability, polyuria and tachycardia

(Pharmacology: A Nursing Process Approach, 2006).

Furthermore, critics of diet sodas point out that artificial sweeteners cause

the brain to react to sweet taste (cephalic phase response) by preparing the liver

to receive a new supply of sugar. And if no sugar appears, the liver signals an

urge to eat, or possibly over-eat. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used in

many diet soft drinks and food preparations. It was discovered in 1965 and

entered the market in the 80’s. It has been proven to cause; headaches,

dizziness, confusion, sleeplessness, dehydration and memory loss, these are

just a few most common of the 92 known side effects caused by consuming

aspartame that could be associated with commercial dietary drinks (Dietary

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Guidelines for Americans, 2005).No one disputes the lack of nutrition in these

diet drinks. Typically, diet sodas sole contribution to dietary and nutritional

requirements is a little sodium.

Common content in a commercialized dietary drinks in the market are: (1)

calories, the most basic unit of energy in the body; (2) carbohydrates, consuming

at least 3 ounce-equivalents of whole grains per day can reduce the risk of

coronary heart disease, may help with weight maintenance, and may lower risk

for other chronic diseases; (3) sodium, helps in the fluid balance in the body by

attracting fluids to it; (4) protein, helps in the proper formation of tissues; and (5)

fiber, adds bulk to feces and cleanses the GI tract. Some are characterized

based on what type of dietary drink (Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2005).

The average college student is often pressed for time, under a lot of stress

and eating on the go. You may find it difficult to avoid bad habits like skipping

meals or frequenting fast food restaurants. But eating a healthy diet can help

you feel better, cope with stress and perform better in the classroom. Almost

70% of students are not consuming the daily-recommended amount of fruits and

vegetables. 60% are eating too much saturated fat and say that they know their

diets have gone downhill since they started college (Ann Selkowitz,2000).

Students are probably the busiest people on earth. They juggle classes, student

activities, sports, jobs, duty hours and homework, all of which make for jam-

packed schedules. Numerous studies have reported that teenagers, especially

girls, are dissatisfied with their weight, and have low self-esteem and a distorted

view of their body image (Mil Agustin Casalta, 2003).

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Because of preoccupations of self appearance and peer acceptance,

adolescents are notorious on fad dieting. This means that they eat or drink on

what is popular among friends or on the television. Meals are skipped or

restricted or worse, whole food groups maybe cut out from diet. Usually they get

one forth or even one third of their energy and major nutrients from their snacks.

The common beverage of choice is soft drinks and juice drinks, but because of

fad dieting, these beverages may change. Nutritional content are almost always

overlooked from its popularity (Nutrition Made Easy, 2003).

The most popular methods of losing weight are skipping meals; avoiding

red meat, snacks and sugary foods; and even fasting. It has also been reported

that teenage dieters have very low levels of calcium, vitamin C, beta-carotene,

selenium, zinc, riboflavin and folate. This is a crucial age when a diet high in

nutritional quality is important - and the so-called growth spurt increases the

demands for these nutrients. (Naomi Rockler-Gladen, 2007)

A study found a positive relationship between eating breakfast and first-

year college students' grade-point averages. Lifestyle changes, peer pressure,

limited finances, and access to food also contribute to erratic eating patterns.

College students have little variety in their diet and often turn to high-fat snacks.

A common error is underestimating serving sizes, meaning they often eat more

than they think they are eating (Trockel, Mickey T, 2000).

Starvation is not the answer for fast weight loss, it can even make you

gain more. The syndrome of starvation adaptation can occur over a period of
 xi

time when the number of calories consumed is so low that the body slows down

its metabolism to meet the available energy supply. By continuing to lower your

calorie intake, you will only make this problem worse. (Susan Kliener, in

Microsoft Encarta 2007).

Studies show brains are directly affected by diet, proving that the right diet

will allow students to achieve better grades. Simply put, "Eat Good, Be Smart.".

Potentially, a lifetime of decision and actions needing to be made under the best

possible conditions could be affected by something as simple as adding vitamins

to the diet. Knowing what is good for the brain and how to get these (hopefully

good tasting) items of interest into the diet is an issue which will get the attention

of any student who wants or needs better grades. (Damian Hons,2008)

EFFECTS FOOD EATING HEALTH STATUS OF

COMMERCIAL HABITS OF Level 3 BSN
DIETARY DRINKS RESPONDENTS STUDENTS
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JUNIOR BSN STUDENTS

CORRELATION OF
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS
AND SIDE EFFECTS FROM
PERCEPTION OF HEALTH
STATUS

CLARIFYING,
CORRECTING AND
EXPANDING OF
PERCEPTIONS

Fig.1 Schematic Diagram

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study is aimed extend the base of knowledge of commercial dietary

drinks based on the respondent’s perception of their health related to their

 xiii

experienced or perceived affects of dietary drinks. The findings shall then be

cross-referred to how the implications affect the perceived health status of

nursing students.

The study will be able to answer the following questions:

1. What are therapeutic effects of commercial dietary drinks experienced

or perceived by level 3 nursing students?

2. How do the respondents perceive their health status?

3. Is there a significant relationship between the therapeutic effect and

perceived health status?

ASSUMPTIONS

1. Female Junior BSN students are mostly the user of these dietary

drinks.

2. Students who are figure conscious are mostly the consumers of the

dietary drinks.

3. Most college students do not have a healthy eating habit due to stress,

thus relying themselves in dietary drinks to reach their ideal weight.

4. Many respondents lack the knowledge about the product being

consumed.

HYPOTHESIS
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The therapeutic effects perceived or experienced by the level 3 nursing

students may generally be the positive effects while negative side effects maybe

imperceptible.

Therapeutic effects of dietary drinks can change the health status of the

respondents.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The researchers have observed that due to commercial and media

influence, negative side effects are overshadowed or even unknown to the

consumers of commercial dietary drinks. They will be guided on the therapeutic

and adverse effects of dietary drinks. The dangers of some ingredients contained

by these products will also be explained, allowing them to be aware of their

effects. This will help correct their wrong perception, clarify unknown effects and

expand the perception of the consumers on the commercial dietary drinks.

For the college students, this study will serve as a guide whether the

therapeutic effects indicated relates to what is perceived while using these

drinks. This will also help those who are on a diet to know the advantages and

disadvantages of going through a diet as perceived by them.

As nursing students, the researchers will gain new grounds in

understanding the mechanism of action of these drinks, and the proper dietary

regimen of college students. This will also serve as a comprehensive review in

identifying nursing interventions appropriate for consumers of dietary drinks and

college students. Most of all this will serve as a primary nursing care intervention
 xv

by preventing complications through expanding the information on the

advantages and disadvantages of drinking dietary drinks.

Lastly, future researchers may use this study as a future reference

material in case their research includes studies for these ones.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

This study measured the therapeutic effects of commercialized dietary

drinks.

The subjects of the study were the junior BSN students who are using

commercialized dietary drinks. The cause by which they consume these drinks

may be subjected to their perception on the dietary drinks.

The study is limited on the following;

First, we limit to those dietary drinks available in the Philippine market.

Second, the study will only cover the most common effects based on other

research studies and these will be chosen among the target group, based on

what they experienced or perceived. Third, since the perception of a person is

subjective it is measured through a range of values.

REASEARCH METHODOLOGY

The Research Methodology includes the research design used in the study,

the research environment where the study was conducted, and the research

participants responsible for the realization of the study, the research instruments

used in the study and the research procedure used in gathering the data.
 xvi

Research Design

This study is qualitative in nature because it ventures on the effects they

experienced and perceived while consuming dietary drinks. The perception of the

respondents about their health status and the significant relationship between the

therapeutic effect and perceived health status will be acquired through the

conduct of a series of relevant research, purposive sampling guided by a series

of questions given to target groups, and psychoanalysis of the data gathered.

Research Environment

The locale of the study is in Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City, Bohol and

the respondents in Junior level. Holy Name University College Department is a

semi isolated area. The area is not far from the heart of the City but the school is

closed by walls. The vast school zone is composed of almost complete facilities

needed to cater an individual’s talents and requirements for the educational

curriculum chosen. This shows on how they value an individual’s uniqueness and

student’s needs for learning and independence.

Research Participants

The target group is the Junior BSN students of Holy Name University. The

numbers of respondents are based on 30% of the total population of junior BSN

students in Holy Name University focused on a specific group. The participants

are chosen through purposive sampling. The purpose for choosing these
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participants is that they have the significant knowledge on health and nutrition,

have time for a direct interview, and can understand the terminologies given with

such ease. Aside from this, given their field of study, they are more concerned on

health and physical appearance and health than any of college student group.

Research Instrument

The data will be gathered through a questionnaire on their perception of

dietary drinks. Questions are arranged in a manner that was clear, simple and

easy to comprehend by the respondents in order for them to give short and

concise answers needed for data gathering.

• Gathering Data

The researchers gathered vital information relative to the study. Interviewer,

the researcher, starts the interview by presenting a validated questionnaire

attached with consent for their participation. All data will be analyzed and

differentiated through a range of values.

STATISTICAL TREATMENT

Analysis and interpretation of data for the questions is based on the

Formula:

X = f 1x1 + f2 x2 + f3 x3 + f4 x4 + f5 x5 or ∑fx
f1 + f2 + f3 + f4 + f5 ∑f

Where:

X = weighted arithmetic mean

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f = frequency

x = weight of each option

∑fx = sum of the product of f times x

∑f = sum of frequency of the total number of cases

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Therapeutic Effects. A result or something brought about or caused by

an agent that benefits health.

Dietary Drinks. Especially prepared drink with lower calories and

nutrients than normal or customary, often containing natural or artificial

sweeteners to lose weight.

Health Status. The soundness of mind, body, spirit, and emotion in

relation to others.

Level 3/ Junior. A student in the third year with in a four year course.

Food Eating Habits. Habit of eating in a daily basis, based on what is

available an d palatable to self.

CHAPTER II

PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

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To achieve the purpose of this investigation, a survey was conducted

through the use of a questionnaire having the Junior BSN students as the

respondents.

The data thus gathered are herein presented, analyzed and interpreted

under headings that correspond to the various aspects of the problem.

TABLE 1. The Respondent’s Perceived Therapeutic Effects of

Commercial Dietary Drinks
Therapeutic Effects Weight Mean Qualitative Description
1. alertness 2.21 imperceptible
2. weight lose 2.26 imperceptible
3. increase in 1.97 imperceptible
physique
4. alleviation of 2.25 imperceptible
diarrhea
5. decreased 2.44 imperceptible
occurrence of
constipation
6. dizziness 1.83 imperceptible
7. headache 1.90 imperceptible
8. forgetfulness 1.85 imperceptible
9. sleeplessness 2.06 imperceptible
10. tachycardia 1.83 imperceptible
11. hypoglycemia 1.84 imperceptible
12. overeating 2.12 imperceptible
13. polyuria 2.38 imperceptible
14. malnutrition 1.70 imperceptible
15. dehydration 1.72 none
Overall 1.96 Imperceptible

SCALE:
4.2 – 5.0 Severe 1.8 – 2.59 Imperceptible
3.4 – 4.19 Evident 1.0 – 1.79 None
2.6 – 3.39 Slightly experienced

Based on the foregoing results, the mean values of the therapeutic effects

of alertness are 2.21; weight lose, 2.26; increase physique, 1.97; alleviation of
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diarrhea, 2.25; decreased occurrence of constipation, 2.44; dizziness, 1.83;

headache, 1.90; forgetfulness, 1.85; sleeplessness, 2.06; tachycardia, 1.83;

hypoglycemia, 1.84; overeating, 2.12; polyuria, 2.38; malnutrition, 1.70;

dehydration, 1.72. These means that majority of the therapeutic effects of

commercial dietary drinks perceived on experienced by level 3 nursing students

are imperceptible. Hence, the null hypothesis is rejected.

The effect, decreased occurrence of constipation is the highest weighted

mean. This means that among all effects it is most perceived. This occurs in the

body because dietary drinks are fluid itself and it also contains fiber, this two

helps in the stimulation of the intestinal peristalsis and gives bulk to the feces

resulting in the decrease of the occurrence of constipation. In the calculated

value of its weighted mean, 2.44, the value means imperceptible. this means

that the effect so subtle, slight, or gradual as to be barely perceptible.

TABLE 2. The Respondent’s perception of Health Status

Health Status Weighted mean Qualitative Description
1. Physical 3.46 Good
3.45 Good
2. Emotional 3.49 Good
3.62 Good
3. Social 3.64 Good

4. Mental

5. Spiritual
Over all 3.53 Good

SCALE:
4.2 – 5.0 Very Healthy 1.8 – 2.59 Poor
3.4 – 4.19 Good 1.0 – 1.79 Sickly
2.6 – 3.39 Fair
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Based on the foregoing results, the mean values of the Health Status of

Physical, 3.46; emotional, 3.45; social, 3.49; mental, 3.62; spiritual, 3.64. These

mean values are all good as their qualitative description. All of the effects in the

health status experienced by the level 3 nursing students are good effects.

Hence, the hypothesis is not rejected.

TABLE 3. The relationship between the therapeutic effects perceived

Health Status
Variable R- value R- probability Interpretation Decision
Therapeutic
Effects Significant Reject
Vs. 0.682 0.033 Correlation Hypothesis
Perceived
health status

Table 3 shows the relationship between the therapeutic effects and

perceived health status of the respondents. With the obtained r-value of (0.682)

and r-probability (0.033) which interpreted as a significant correlation. This

implies that the therapeutic effects are also affected with the perceived health

status. The two variables co-exist which means that if the therapeutic effects are

low the perceived status is good. This also implies that the therapeutic effects of

the respondents really vary on the perceived health status. This could really be

the factor why the student’s commercial dietary drinks really affect the health

status of the respondents. And it shows a positive result on their health condition.
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CHAPTER III

SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

The aim of this study is to extend the base of knowledge of commercial

dietary drinks based on the respondent’s perception of their health related to their

experienced or perceived affects of dietary drinks. The study was sought to

answer the following questions:

What are therapeutic effects of commercial dietary drinks experienced or

perceived by level 3 nursing students? How do the respondents perceive their

health status and whether there is a significant relationship between the

therapeutic effect and perceived health status?

The study involved approximately 40% of the total population of level three

students. They were 155 in all chosen using purposive sampling though a

consent was attached. Again, this method was used since we know the

respondents and we know that they can understand the terminologies used in the

questionnaires. The respondents were given a questionnaire and questions were

arranged in a manner that was clear. There were simple and easy in order for

them to give short and concise answers needed for the data gathered. After

gathering the data it was statistically analyzed by finding the weighted arithmetic

mean. The statistical equivalents and the meaning of its value it was then
 xxiii

interpreted and the correlated this led us to arrive with our findings. As we arrived

with the findings through the interpretation of the gathered data it had led us to

arrive with our conclusion.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books:

• Kee, Joyce LeFever, MS, RN. “Pharmacology: a Nursing Process

Approach, 2006, 5th Edition”, Winsland House I, Singapore: Elsevier
(Singapore) Pte Ltd.
• Thompson, Tommy, US Secretary of Health (2005). “Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, 2005. 6th Edition”, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing
Office, January 2005.

Periodicals:

• Selkowitz, Ann (2000). “The College Student's Guide to Eating Well on

Campus.” Bethesda, MD: Tulip Hill Press.
• Trockel, Mickey T.; Barnes, Michael D.; and Egget, Dennis L. (2000).
"Health Related Variables and Academic Performance among First-Year
College Students: Implications for Sleep and Other Behaviors." Journal of
American College Health 49(3):125–131.

Unpublished:

• Alquizar, Myla Rae (2003), “Influences on the Food Preferences of the

Grade VI Pupils of Holy Name University:” Undergraduate Thesis, Holy
Name University, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
• Casalta, Mil Agustin (2003). “Stress Reduction Strategies and Clinical
Performance of Level IV Nursing Students in Operating Room”
Undergraduate Thesis, Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City, Bohol,
Philippines
 xxiv

Electronic Sources:

• Hons, Damian (2008). “Survival Secrets for College Students”,

http://www.helium.com/items/987928-survival-secrets-for-college-
students-in-2008
• Kleiner, Susan (2007), “Power of Eating”: Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2007. ©
1993-2006 Microsoft Corporation.
• Rockler-Gladen, Naomi (2007). “College Student Health Tips: Diet,
Exercise, Sleep and Stress Relief for Freshman Year and Beyond”,
http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/article.cfm/college_student_health_ti
ps