Nutrition and exercise in young African American women: Differences between knowledge and behaviors

Healthy childhood development is crucial for children and their offspring. Based on the Life Course Development perspective, habits learned early in life are more likely to persist into adulthood. This study explores factors influencing knowledge and behaviors of young African American women regarding exercise and nutrition. Focus groups are currently being conducted in eight urban Ohio counties with African American women ages 19-24. Knowledge, attitude, and behaviors regarding the importance of nutrition and exercise is elicited through questions about most recent meal, decision making regarding meals and exercise, and the relationship of exercise and nutrition to a young woman's health. Preliminary findings indicate that although women believe exercise and nutrition including vitamin use are important for their health and future healthy pregnancies, many admitted they were not exercising or eating nutritious meals or both. In general, content of meals was determined based on the needs and preferences of other family members, especially children. Meals ranged from no breakfast because “I don't like eating that early,” to not having time to eat due to other responsibilities such as getting children ready for school/daycare. Most of the study participants with children stated they took vitamins only while pregnant because they believed it was important for their babies. Reasons for not taking vitamins outside of pregnancy varied and included cost and not liking to take pills. Exercise was viewed as important not only for pregnancy but also to have a healthy body, yet many did not exercise on a regular basis because they lacked time, had limited access to exercise facilities, and were concerned with safety issues. These women are knowledgeable about the benefits of nutrition but do not exhibit healthy behaviors regarding nutrition and exercise. To address the discrepancies between beliefs and actions related to nutrition and exercise, this presentation will address the importance of including standardized protocols for providers, such as public health nurses and other health care providers serving this at-risk population, using a Life Course approach to improve health behaviors of women that impact their lives and their future children.