Benefits barriers self-efficacy and knowledge regarding healthy foods; perception of African Americans living in eastern North Carolina

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Sarah Colby (Creator)

Roman Pawlak (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: African Americans in the United States suffer from many health disparities such as obesity diabetes or hypertension. Lifestyle factors including iet and physical activity play an important role in prevention of these health conditions. The purpose of this research project was to assess beliefs arriers and self-efficacy of eating a healthy diet and self efficacy of shopping for foods such as whole grains or foods designated as low fat r low sodium. Additionally the objective was to assess beliefs about healthfulness appropriate consumption and protective aspect of specific foods ncluding fruits vegetables and whole grains. The assessment was done using a survey instrument developed for this study. Data collection took lace at two church locations. Data were obtained from 57 African Americans mean age 50 years old (SD 12.70) completed the survey. The majority f respondents (58.1%) were females and most (75%) had at least some college education. Generally benefits of eating healthy foods received onsiderably higher scores compared to barriers of eating healthy. A belief that healthy foods would help to take care of oneâ s body received the ighest mean score while a belief that healthy foods are too expensive had the highest score from all barriers. The results showed high self-efficacy f eating and purchasing healthy foods high awareness of knowledge regarding foods associated with disease prevention but low awareness of ecommendations for fruits and vegetables. The high scores for benefits self-efficacy and knowledge regarding eating healthy foods did not translate nto the perception of intake of such foods. Most participants believed that they do not eat enough of healthy foods. Interventions design to help frican Americans make dietary changes should be culturally relevant and should involved working on a community level utilizing messages that re familiar and relevant to African Americans. Originally published Nutrition Research and Practice Vol. 3 No. 1 Spring 2009

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Nutrition Research and Practice. 3:1(Spring 2009) p. 56-63.

Language: English

Date: 2011

Keywords

African Americans, benefits, barriers, Knowledge, Self-efficacy

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