5186.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 2:47 PM

Abstract #17094

Nutrition Attitudes in Diverse Populations of Black Women

T. Elaine Prewitt, DrPH1, Marian Fitzgibbon, PhD2, Ramon Durazo-Arvizu, PhD1, and Amy Luke, PhD1. (1) Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, , tprewit@wpo.it.luc.edu, (2) Department of Psychiatry, Northwestern University Medical School

Evidence suggests socio-demographic characteristics correlate with attitudes regarding disease prevention among middle income whites. However this has not been investigated among black populations from different socio-economic backgrounds. We collected information on attitudes toward adopting a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet in African American (AA) women from two socio-economically diverse groups using a nutrition attitude survey. Women resided in Maywood, IL, (n=331; MW) a middle-income, working class Chicago suburb or in publicly subsidized housing in the city of Chicago (n=170; PH). Multivariate statistical analyses showed that food exploration and health consciousness attitudes were generally higher for the MW than the PH women. Meat preference was highest among women with less than a high school education and body mass index, age and educational achievement were important factors explaining overall nutrition attitudes. Findings suggest a context for understanding food choice and for implementing behavior change strategies among diverse groups of black women.

Learning Objectives: N/A

Keywords: Nutrition, Ethnic Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA