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Kathy Hosig, PhD, MPH, RD

Associate Professor & Director, Center for Public Health Practice and Research

Kathy Hosig, Associate Professor, Population Health Sciences Dept

Kathy Hosig
Room 334
VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine
205 Duck Pond Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
khosig@vt.edu
(540) 231-6637

Dr. Hosig serves as Director for the Virginia Tech Center for Public Health Practice and Research (CPHPR) and core faculty member in the Master of Public Health program in the Department of Population Health Sciences at Virginia Tech (public health education concentration).  The Center for Public Health Practice and Research is housed in the Department of Population Health Sciences in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, and supported by the Institute for Society, Culture and Environment.  The mission of CPHPR is to foster interdisciplinary, collaborative public health practice and research activities at Virginia Tech and among external public health agencies, organizations, practitioners and researchers. Dr. Hosig has experience with developing collaborative partnerships at the local and state levels for federally-funded community-based projects. 

Dr. Hosig is a registered dietitian with a B.S. degree in nutrition and dietetics from Virginia Tech, a doctorate in human nutrition from Purdue University and a Master of Public Health degree (public health leadership) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Church-based Community Diabetes Education Targeting Medically Underserved African Americans:  This was a 5-year study funded by the National Institute for Nursing Research (NIH).  The study will evaluate the effects of an evidence-based community diabetes education program (Balanced Living with Diabetes), guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), with and without support groups, on glycemic control, diabetes self-care including nutrition and physical activity behavior, and SCT variables.  The study targeted medically underserved areas of Virginia, uses a community-based participatory approach to tailor the program to the target audience, and is delivered at local churches in partnership among a community agency, local health professionals, and the health ministry program of the local churches.  Role:  Principal Investigator.

Balanced Living with Diabetes: Impacting rural community health through evidence-based program implementation by Cooperative Extension: This is a 2-year study funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (NIFA).  The study focuses on dissemination of the Balanced Living with Diabetes program to rural areas of Virginia.  The Center for Public Health Practice and Research is serving as project evaluator.

CDC 1422 Obesity Prevention Projects:  The Center for Public Health Practice and Research is serving as state evaluator and local evaluator for West Piedmont Health District for a 4-year obesity prevention program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DP14-1422PPHF14).  The 1422 program is designed to intensify work in state and large city health departments to prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke and reduce health disparities through community and health system interventions. It is financed by the Prevention and Public Health Fund of the Affordable Care Act. Each funded state is using half of these funds to support prevention activities in four to eight communities.  Health districts involved in Virginia are Crater, Lord Fairfax, Portsmouth, Prince William and West Piedmont. Community strategies will support community prevention strategies, focused particularly on those at high risk, to prevent diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Health system interventions and efforts to link community programs to clinical services will aim to improve health care and preventive services to populations with the largest disparities in high blood pressure and pre-diabetes.

Reaching Low Income Malaysians with Community-based Type 2 Diabetes Education:  Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in 2010 was 10.3% in the United States and 11.6% in Malaysia, among the highest in the world.  Balanced Living with Diabetes, an evidence-based, community-based lifestyle intervention for type 2 diabetes developed by Virginia Cooperative Extension and tailored for the Malaysian population, will be tested with one group of participants in a low income residential area of Malaysia and further adapted.  A follow up randomized control trial with four participant groups will provide preliminary data to plan a larger future study.  Collaboration among US and Malaysian researchers may identify universal characteristics of community-based diabetes self-management interventions that could have local, national and international significance.

Policies and Strategies for Control of Noncommunicable Diseases in Malawi: Dr. Hosig collaborated with two MPH students from Malawi and colleagues from the Ministry of Health in Malawi on this study, recently published in Health Education & Behavior.

Malawi is a Sub-Saharan African country experiencing the epidemiological transition from predominantly infectious to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with dramatically increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Malawi’s 2011-2016 Health Sector Strategic Plan included NCDs, and an NCD Control Program was established with subsequent development of a National Action Plan for prevention and management of NCDs launched in 2013. The current study was designed to identify gaps in implementation of NCD control program policies and action plan strategies by describing current efforts toward prevention and management of NCDs in Malawi with emphasis on challenges and opportunities. Semistructured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from Malawi Ministry of Health personnel (senior officers, service providers, health education officers, and nutritionists) in 10 health districts and 3 central hospitals. Frequencies were generated for quantitative data. Qualitative data were used to generate themes and most common responses. Results showed that current services focus on facility-based NCD screening and clinical services rather than active screening, prevention, and community awareness and outreach, although respondents emphasized the importance of prevention, lifestyle education, and community outreach. Respondents indicated inadequate resources for NCD services including financial capital, human resources, equipment and supplies, and transportation. While Malawi has begun to address NCDs, policy and practice implications include (a) better integration of services within the existing infrastructure with emphasis on capacity building; (b) greater implementation of planned NCD activities; (c) a stronger, more comprehensive data management system; and (d) innovative funding solutions.

Click here for the  online repository of Dr. Hosig's publications.

Peer-reviewed journal articles*

  • Mabry EJ, Hosig K, Hanowski R, Zedalis D, Gregg J, Herbert WG.  Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in commercial truck drivers:  A review.  Journal of Transport & Health.  2016; in press.
  • Farris AR, Mysyak S, Duffey KJ, Atzaba-Poria N, Hosig K, Davis G, McFerren M, Serrano E.  Elementary Parent Perceptions of Packing Lunches and the National School Lunch Program.  The Journal of Child Nutrition & Management.  2016; 40 (1).  Available here.
  • Lupafya PC, Matanje Mwagomba BL, Hosig K**, Maseko LM, Chimbali H.  Implementation of policies and strategies for control of noncommunicable diseases in Malawi:  challenges and opportunities.  Health Education & Behavior.  2016; 43 (1S):  64S-69S.  doi:10.1177/1090198115614313.
  • Redican KJ, Abbas K, Elvinger F, Hosig K, Marmagas SM, Chitsulo P, Kelly P, Burton J, Tlou J, Carter-Tod S.  Making a difference in Malawi and Zambia through health education and public health best practices.  Global Journal of Health Education and Promotion.  2015;  16 (2): 18-32. doi: 10.18666/GJHEP-2015-V16-12-5964.
  • Farris AR, Misyak S, Duffey KJ, Mann GR, Davis GC, Hosig K, Atzaba-Poria N, Davis G, Duffey K, Hosig K, McFerren MM, Serrano EL.  A comparison of fruits, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages, and desserts in the packed lunches of elementary children.  Childhood Obesity.  2015: 11 (3):  275-285. http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/chi.2014.0134 .  doi:10.1089.chi.2014.0134.
  • Farris AR, Misyak S, Duffey KJ, Davis GC, Hosig K, Atzaba-Poria N, McFerren MM, Serrano EL.  Nutritional comparison of packed and school lunches in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children following the implementation of the 2012-2013 National School Lunch Program Standards.  J Nutr Ed Behav.  2014; 46 (6):  621-626.  doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2014.07.007.
  • Misyak, S., Ledlie Johnson, M., McFerren, M., Niewolny, K., Hosig, K., & Serrano, E. (2014). Low-income mothers’ perception of barriers to using farmers markets to access local foods. In C.I.P. Thomas (Ed.), Voices of hunger: Food insecurity in the United States (pp. 51-62).  Champaign, Illinois: Common Ground Publishing LLC.  ISBN-10:  1612295305
  • Poddar KH*, Hosig KW, Anderson Bill ES, Nickols-Richardson SM, Duncan SE.  Dairy intake and related self-regulation improved in college students via online nutrition education.  Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  2012; 112: 1976-1986.  doi:10.1016/j.jand.2012.07.026.
  • Serrano E, McFerren M., Lambur M., Ellerbrock M., Hosig K., Franz N, Townsend M, Baker S, Muenning P, Davis G.  Cost-effectiveness model for youth EFNEP programs: What do we measure and how do we do it?  Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.  2011; 43:  295-302.  doi:10.1016;j.jneb.2010.03.164.
  • Poddar KH*, Hosig KW, Anderson ES, Nickols-Richardson SM, Duncan S.  Web-based Nutrition Education Intervention Improves Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation Related to Increased Dairy Intake in College Students.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  2010; 110 (11):  1723-1777.  doi:10.1016/j.jada.2010.09.008.
  • Poddar KH*, Hosig KW, Nickols-Richardson SM, Anderson ES, Herbert WG.  Low-Fat Dairy Intake and Body Weight and Composition Changes in College Students.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  2009; 109 (8):  1433-1438. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2009.05.005.
  • Rose, N, Serrano E, Hosig K, Haas C, Reaves D, Nickols-Richardson S.  The 100-Mile Diet: A Community Approach to Promote Sustainable Food Systems Impacts Dietary Quality.  Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition.  2008; 3 (2):  270-285.
  • Felton TM, Nickols-Richardson SM, Serrano E, Hosig KW.  African American students’ perceptions of their majors, future professions, and the dietetics major and profession:  a qualitative analysis.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  2008; 108 (7):  1192-1197.  doi:10.1016/j.jada.2008.04.022.
  • Rose NE*, Hosig KW, Serrano E, Davy BM, Davis LM.  Whole grain intake is associated with body mass index in college students. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.  2007; 39 (2): 90-94.  PMID:17346658. 
  • Serrano E, Kowalewska A*, Hosig K, Fuller C, Fellin L, Wigand V.  Status and goals of local school wellness policies in Virginia:  a response to the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004.  Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.  2007; 39 (2): 95-100.  PMID:17346658.
  • Nickols-Richardson SM, Coleman MD, Volpe J, Hosig, KW.  Perceived hunger is lower and weight loss is greater in overweight premenopausal women consuming a low-carbohydrate/high-protein versus high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  105 (9): 1433-37, 2005.  PMID:16129086.
  • Whaley, G.W.*, and Hosig, K.W.  Male Dietitians in 5 Southern States: Some perspectives on the profession.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 100: 1535-37, 2000.  PMID:11138449.
  • Hosig, K.W., Dollahite, J.D., Rodibaugh, R.R. and White, K.A.*  Development and Evaluation of a Consortium to Support a School-based Community Nutrition Education Program in the Rural Arkansas Delta.  Journal of Nutrition Education. 30 (5): 281-287, 1998.
  • Hosig, K.W. and Rodibaugh, R.R.  Parent Newsletters to Strengthen a School-based Community Nutrition Education Program in the Rural Arkansas Delta.  Journal of Nutrition Education. 30 (5): 340B, 1998.
  • Dollahite, J.D., Hosig, K.W., White, K.A.*, Rodibaugh, R.R. and Holmes, T.M.  The impact of a school-based community intervention program on knowledge and food choices in elementary school children in the rural Arkansas Delta.  Journal of Nutrition Education. 30 (5): 289-301, 1998.
  • Hosig, K.B., Shinnick, F.L., Johnson, M.D., Story, J.A. and Marlett, J.A.  Comparison of large bowel function and calcium balance during wheat bran and oat bran consumption. Cereal Chemistry. 73 (3):392-398, 1996.
  • Marlett, J.A., Hosig, K.B., Vollendorf, N.W., Shinnick, F.L. Haack, V.S. and Story, J.A.  Mechanism of serum cholesterol reduction by oat bran.  Hepatology. 20: 1450-57, 1995.  PMID:  7982644.

Peer-reviewed presentations with abstracts*

  • Hosig K, Burke JE, Forburger A, Jones D, Kinney K, Motley M, Valenzuela IG.  Collaborative health programming with faith-based organizations.  Workshop at 2016 National Health Outreach Conference, Roanoke, VA.  April 7.  Program available at:  http://www.cpe.vt.edu/2016nhoc/2016nhocfinalprogram.pdf  (page 12).
  • Hosig K, Bill E, Burke JE, Chase M, Edmonds K, Forburger A, Jones D, Motley M, Rafie C, Schlenker E, Valenzuela I.  Collaborative community-based diabetes education for diverse audiences.  Poster presented at 2016 National Health Outreach Conference, Roanoke, VA.  April 7, 2016.  Program available at:  http://www.cpe.vt.edu/2016nhoc/2016nhocfinalprogram.pdf  (poster #31, page 34.
  • Valenzuela I*, Hosig K, Evia C, Serrano E, Redican K.  Hispanic Balanced Living with Diabetes:  A lifestyle intervention for underserved Hispanics in Southwest Virginia.  Poster presentation at annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Chicago, IL.  November 2015.  Available at:  https://apha.confex.com/apha/143am/webprogram/Paper328921.html
  • Hosig KW, Goodwin SK, Serrano ES, Redican KJ.  Development and testing of the university health index for nutrition and physical activity.  Poster presentation at annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Boston, MA.  November 2013.  Available at: https://apha.confex.com/apha/141am/webprogram/Paper291106.html
  • Motley M*, Hosig K, Burke JE, Bill E, Forburger A, Schlenker E.  Lessons learned from a collaborative community-based diabetes education program.  Round table presentation at annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Boston, MA.  November 2013.  Available at:  https://apha.confex.com/apha/141am/webprogram/Paper292148.html
  • Anderson-Bill, Eileen S., Hosig, Kathryn, Schlenker, Eleanor “Acceptance-Avoidance in Physical Activity (PA) Among African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM)" Poster accepted for presentation at the 33rd Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions for the Society of Behavioral Medicine, New Orleans, LA, April 14, 2012
  • Hosig KW, Schlenker E, Anderson ES, Gehrt K.  Community-based type 2 diabetes education program:  Dining with Diabetes in Virginia.  Poster presentation at annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Washington, DC.  October 2011.  Available at:https://apha.confex.com/apha/139am/webprogram/Paper248161.html
  • Goodwin S*, Hosig KW, Serrano E, Redican K, Schroeder A, You W, Anderson ES.  Association between perceived university environment and physical activity in college students.  Poster presentation at annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Washington, DC.  October 2011.  Available at: https://apha.confex.com/apha/139am/webprogram/Paper240214.html
  • Poddar K*, Hosig, K, Anderson, E.  Nutrition education intervention to improve low fat dairy awareness and intake in college students.  Oral presentation at annual meeting of the Society for Nutrition Education, July 2007.  Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.  2007; 39 (4S): S91.
  • Hosig, K.W., Kowalewska A*, Nickols-Richardson, S.M., Serrano, E.  Parent opinions regarding school-based body mass index screening and nutrition/physical activity resources.  Poster presented at annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, Boston, MA.  November 2006.  Available at:  http://apha.confex.com/apha/134am/techprogram/paper_144676.htm
  • Hosig, K.W., Nickols-Richardson, S.M.  Associations between dietary patterns and weight change in college freshmen.  Poster presentation at annual meeting, American Dietetic Association, October 2005.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  105 (8): A31, 2005.
  • Lau, C.S., Fleischman, J.N., Hosig, K.W., Nickols-Richardson, S.M.  Fat-free mass soft tissue mass is higher in premenopausal women who consume greater compared to lower, than the adequate intake for dietary calcium.  Poster presentation at annual meeting, American Dietetic Association, October 2005.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  105 (8): A40, 2005.
  • Rose, N*, Hosig, K, Davy, B and E Serrano.  Whole grain intake in college students and its association with body mass index.  Poster presentation at annual meeting, Society for Nutrition Education, July 2005.  Journal for Nutrition Education and Behavior. 37 (Suppl 1): S27, 2005.
  • Hosig, K.W.  Establishing a nutrition position shared between student affairs and academic affairs at a small state university.  Poster presentation at annual meeting of the American Dietetic Association, October 1999.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  99: A85, 1999.
  • White, K.A.*, Hosig, K.W., Rodibaugh, R.R., and Dollahite, J.D.  Acceptance of healthier school lunches by second through fifth grade students in the rural Arkansas Delta.  Oral presentation at annual meeting American Dietetic Association, October 1999.  Journal of the American Dietetic Association.  99: A72, 1999.
  • Story, J.A., Furumoto, E.J. and Hosig, K.W.  Bamboo shoots lower serum cholesterol in rats.  Poster presentation, FASEB annual meeting, 1992.   Faseb J. 6 (5): A1653, 1992.
  • Hosig, K.W., Furumoto, E.J., Story, J.A. and Marlett, J.A.  Effects of dietary fiber from oat bran or wheat bran on bile acid excretion in humans.  Minisymposium presentation at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) annual meeting, Anaheim, CA, 1992  Faseb J. 6 (5): A1654, 1992.
  • Wright, K.B., Furumoto, E.J. and Story J.A.  Modification of bile acid excretion in rats by three sources of bran.  Poster presentation at FASEB annual meeting, 1989.  Faseb J. 3 (4): A1068, 1989.

*Student mentored by Dr. Hosig

  • PHS 5034: Health Education and Health Behavior (core MPH course)
    • This course will provide an introduction to behavioral and social science theories utilized in health promotion programs, predominantly in the design, implementation and general practice procedures that encompass the field.  It will provide students with a foundation for understanding health behavior change within a population or community of interest, as well as providing the means for understanding the connections that exist between behavior and health.  Understanding health behavior will be aided by addressing constructs and concepts that shape health behavior, including intrapersonal factors, interpersonal factors, cultural and community factors, and society as a whole.
  • PHS 5644: Program Evaluation (MPH public health education concentration course)
    • Methods of conducting program evaluations for prevention and intervention programs that promote public health and human development. Major dimensions of evaluation strategies, including process evaluation, impact assessment, and cost analysis.