|
|
|
|
|
Delores C.S. James, PhD, RD, LD, Health Science Education, University of Florida, PO Box 118210, Room 5 FLG, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-392-0583, djames@hhp.ufl.edu
The purpose of this project was to explore how culture, community, and the environment impact nutrition attitudes, food choices, and dietary intake of African Americans in light of the national obesity epidemic. The study consisted of 6 focus groups and a survey of 789 African American adults. The results of the qualitative data are presented. The data are presented within the PEN-3 model, a theoretical model that centralizes culture as the primary reason for health behavior and the primary consideration for health promotion and disease prevention programs. There was a general perception that “eating healthfully” meant giving up part of their cultural heritage and trying to conform to the dominant culture. Friends and relatives usually are not supportive of dietary changes. Barriers to eating a healthful diet also included no sense of urgency, the social and cultural symbolism of certain foods, the poor taste of “healthy” foods, the expense of “healthy” foods, and lack of information. Segments of the population that potentially could be motivated to make dietary changes included women, men with health problems, young adults, the elderly, and those diagnosed with a severe, life-threatening disease. The findings also suggest that programs and materials should be specifically developed for churches, neighborhood grocery stores, and local restaurants. Desirable components of nutrition education programs, topics of interest to the target groups, social and environmental factors that affect food and physical activity choices, and health promotion channels for reaching the target groups also are discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.