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Morgan K. Rogers, BSBA¹, Guadalupe Ayala, PhD, MPH², Barbara Baquero, MPH³, Daniela Barajas, BA¹, Susan C. Duerksen, MPH¹, Elva M. Arredondo, PhD³, Nadia Campbell, MPH³, and John Elder, PhD, MPH³. (1) Center for Behavioral and Community Health Studies, San Diego State University. Graduate School of Public Health, 9245 Sky Park Ct #221, San Diego, CA 92123, 619-594-3147, mrogers@projects.sdsu.edu, (2) Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 221, San Diego, CA 92123, (3) School of Public Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Ct. Suite #201, San Diego, CA 92123

Purpose: This study examines correlates of away-from-home eating behavior and restaurant selection among Latino families involved in an environmentally-based obesity prevention. Methods: Demographic variables, away-from-home eating frequency, restaurant selection, and restaurant selection criteria were collected in a questionnaire from 812 adult participants in the study. Adults with children in K-2 grade were recruited from 13 elementary schools. Height and weight were measured on each child/caregiver pair. Results: Individuals with a high school education or higher, an income of less than $2,000 per month, or first generation immigrants were more likely to eat at a fast food restaurant versus sit-down or buffet (all p < .05). Children who ate away-from-home at least once a week were significantly overweight compared to children who ate away-from-home less than once a week (p< .05). Adults who reported eating out at least once a week had a significantly higher mean BMI score than those eating out less than once a week. The value of food quality, healthfulness of foods, and service were significantly higher among participants who most often frequented sit-down or buffet versus fast food restaurants (p < .05). Distance was of significantly higher value to fast food patrons, as compared to sit-down or buffet frequenters (p< .05). Conclusions: These findings suggest a need to specifically target away-from-home eating behavior in addressing adult and child BMI, regardless of restaurant type. Criteria such as distance and food quality have a significant influence on restaurant selection and should be considered when designing interventions for low-to-middle income Latino families.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)To describe socio-demographic characteristics, correlates of food environment and food choices of Latino children and their families.
• 2)To assess the relationship between away-from-home eating frequency and BMI of children and their families.
• 3)To determine individual, familial and community influences on selection of restaurant and food choices for young children and their families.

Keywords: Obesity, Community Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered