Differences in nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among low income Hispanic and African American women caretakers
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Irene Acheampong (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Lauren Haldeman
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to: (1) determine the differences in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs (KAB), and self efficacy among low income African American and Hispanic women; (2) identify the associations that these variables have on diet quality and weight status; (3) identify some barriers to healthy eating; and (4) to document if the level of acculturation, among Hispanics, has any effect on KAB. Data from three separate studies were combined and analyzed. The total sample included African Americans (N=92), high acculturated Hispanics (N=73), and low acculturated Hispanics (N=199). Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to identify associations between KAB and body mass index (BMI) and diet quality. The majority of African Americans had good knowledge in nutrition while Hispanics had fair knowledge. The differences were, however, non significant. Attitudes toward eating a healthy diet were significantly different only in terms of high fiber and low fat consumption. More Hispanics (96.7%) than African Americans (90.2%) believed that it is important to consume a healthy diet, however both groups had poor dietary intakes. A computed KAB score showed no significant relation to individuals' weight status or diet quality. However, attitudes and beliefs about healthy foods strongly correlated with participants' weight or diet consumption. The most common barrier to consuming a healthy diet reported by both groups was the cost of healthy foods. The level of acculturation had a significant influence on some nutrition attitudes and belief. More high, than low acculturated Hispanics acknowledged the importance fiber and low fat diets. However, low acculturated Hispanics were more likely to have the belief that healthy foods will keep one healthy. It is therefore recommended for educational programs to focus on these variables when addressing obesity and poor dietary intake among low income minority groups.
Differences in nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among low income Hispanic and African American women caretakers
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Created on 5/1/2011
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2011
- Keywords
- Attitudes, Belief, Barriers, Self efficacy, Dietary intake weight status, Food security, Hispanic women, Low income African Americans, Nutrition knowledge
- Subjects
- Nutrition $z United States $v Cross-cultural studies
- Nutrition surveys $z United States
- Food habits
- Hispanic American women $x Nutrition
- African American women $x Nutrition
- Poor women $x Nutrition