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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Michelle Kegler, DrPH¹, Cam Escoffery, PhD², Iris Alcantara, MPH¹, Lynne Feldman, MD³, Louise Wrensford, PhD⁴, and Karen Glanz, PhD⁵. (1) Emory Prevention Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, (404) 712-9957, mkegler@sph.emory.edu, (2) Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, (3) Georgia Public Health District 8, Unit 1, PO Box 5147, Valdosta, GA 31603, (4) Albany State University, 504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705, (5) Emory Prevention Research Center, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322

Social and physical environments are important determinants of healthy behavior. The home environment may be of particular relevance to healthy eating, with food availability and social influences likely to be influential. In an attempt to better understand how the home environment affects healthy eating in rural families, we conducted qualitative interviews with long-time residents of two counties in rural Southwest Georgia using a community-based participatory research approach. Of the 58 individuals identified through purposive sampling, and who completed an in-home interview, 51.7% were African American, 51.7% were male, 72.4% were married, 41.4% had less than a high school education, and the average age was 62.8 years. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Findings suggest that family members exert social pressure on one another for healthy eating, and that these efforts are met with a range of reactions. Family members also play a role in weight loss efforts, typically positive but not always. In terms of food availability, most felt it was relatively easy to obtain healthy foods for the household, however some felt it was hard due to cost and limited options at local small town grocery stores. Most reported they frequently have fruits and vegetables available in the home; about half also usually have junk food at home. The majority did not have access to a vegetable garden either at home or nearby. Implications of these findings for nutrition interventions in rural communities will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session should be able to

• explain at least three ways that families influence healthy eating among family members
• list two barriers to healthy eating in rural communities
• discuss at least two implications of the home environment in rural families for nutrition interventions

Keywords: Nutrition, Rural Communities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation