Objective: To compare fat intake and fat-related eating habits of Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), Hispanics and African Americans (AA) (N=9803) who participated in a community cholesterol screening and education study. Methods: Fat intake and fat-related eating habits were measured as part of the baseline survey using the Food Habits Questionnaire. Means for fat summary score, fat factors (behavioral domains that lead to fat reduction) and individual eating behaviors were adjusted for age and gender. Results: AAs had higher FHQ fat summary scores (indicating a higher fat diet) than Hispanics and NHWs even after adjustment for demographics. AAs also had higher mean scores on most individual eating behaviors than the other subgroups. However, Hispanics were more likely to fry fish and chicken, eat meat instead of fish or chicken and use butter instead of margarine than NHW or AAs. NHW were more likely than the other groups to eat salads with dressing. The most prevalent and least prevalent fat-related behaviors also differed somewhat by ethnicity. In addition, fat factors differed by ethnic group with AAs less likely to modify meat (i.e. trim fat, take skin off chicken, etc.), and avoid fat as a flavoring; Hispanics less likely to use lower fat substitutes (i.e. fat-reduced products); and NHWs less likely to use lower fat alternatives (i.e. fruit) for snacks and desserts. Applications: This information can help in the future development of dietary assessment tools as well as the planning of effective interventions that focus on the behaviors most relevant to specific ethnic groups.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will discuss the pros and cons of the Food Habits Questionnaire and the scoring methodologies used in this analysis. 2. Participants will identify the differences in fat-related eating habits by ethnicity. 3. Participants will use the information presented to better design future dietary assessment tools and interventions for ethnically diverse audiences
Keywords: Ethnicity, Food and Nutrition
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.