Objectives. This study reports estimates of dietary practices of African American high school students in Mississippi associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors and disease in adulthood. This study uses the Youth Behavior Risk Survey (YRBS) to obtain estimates of the practices of African American students in Mississippi.
Methods. Data derived from the administration of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) were examined. The study surveyed students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in public schools. High school students were assessed for behavior practices, and estimates were compared.
Results. Twenty-four percent of African American high school students consume 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables (22.1% for males and 26.2% for females). Forty-two percent of African American students reported consuming green salad at least once in the past 7 days (39.5% for males and 44.0% for females). Sixty-seven percent of African American students consumed foods high in calories and fat (78.7% for males and 57.9% for females). This practice does not appear to meet the Year 2000 objective of a reduction in dietary fat to 30% of calories and saturated fat to 10% of calories.
Conclusions. Even though African American adults suffer the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in Mississippi, the African American students appear to be going in the wrong direction with unhealthy eating habits. Practices of African American high school students do not meet the Year 2000 health objectives for the nation. Female students, however, tend to consume more fruit and vegetables than male students.
Learning Objectives: 1.Recognize trends in dietary practices of African American students. 2. Assess the practices of African American high school students in Mississippi in relation to the Year 2000 objectives. 3. Identify the numbers of African American students whose dietary practices place them at risk for health problems
Keywords: Adolescents, 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.