Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Marcia Adams O’Neil

Committee Member

Arezou Sobhani

Committee Member

Kimberly Durham

Keywords

breakfast programs, diets, Hispanic Americans, nutrition, primary health care

Abstract

This applied dissertation was designed to examine the effect of employees’ breakfast choices on perceived energy levels among Hispanic healthcare workers in South Florida. As breakfast consumption has been widely associated with cognitive function, productivity, and metabolic stability, this research focused on understanding how specific breakfast patterns influence daily energy in a population that plays a critical role in regional healthcare delivery.

A qualitative survey was developed by the researcher and was used to collect data from Hispanic employees working in a variety of healthcare settings. Participants completed a structured survey assessing breakfast habits, nutritional quality, frequency of consumption, and self-reported energy levels throughout the workday. Data analysis explored associations between breakfast type, such as high-protein, high-carbohydrate, mixed meals, or breakfast skipping, and energy outcomes.

Findings indicated that individuals who consumed balanced or protein-rich breakfasts reported significantly higher and more stable energy levels compared to those who skipped breakfast or consumed predominantly high-carbohydrate meals. The results highlight the importance of culturally informed nutrition education and workplace wellness initiatives aimed at promoting healthy breakfast practices among Hispanic healthcare workers. Recommendations for organizational policy and future research are provided to further strengthen workforce well-being and performance.

Download
Share Feedback

Share

COinS