ARS | Publication request: MyPyramid.gov knowledge and access among rural Southwest Mississippi African-American adolescents

Submitted to: Journal of American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2011
Publication Date: September 1, 2011
Citation: Lartey-Rowser, M. 2011. MyPyramid.gov knowledge and access among rural Southwest Mississippi African-American adolescents [abstract]. Journal of American Dietetic Association. 111(9 Suppl. 2):A-92.

Technical Abstract: Our learning outcomes were: 1) To identify need for a culturally specific media campaign on the use of MyPyramid.gov targeting African-American adolescents, and 2) To identify need for nutrition education tools designed to reinforce food guide pyramid recommendations. This study used a qualitative approach to identify knowledge of food recommendations found on MyPyramid.gov and access to MyPyramid.gov among limited income African-American youth. We conducted 5 single-sex focus groups with 9 boys and 30 girls (grades 5 and 6). Data analysis included: a) debriefing noting nonverbal communication and principal themes; b) transcription of audiotapes; c) content analysis of transcripts with question-by-question review and coding by two independent coders. Research participants were familiar with the Food Guide Pyramid (FGP) and FGP images. When asked to define the overall purpose of the FGP, the majority stated "eating healthy". The most frequent response to whether the participants had ever logged onto MyPyramid.gov was "no". When asked why the website was not utilized, the common response was "haven't heard of it". A majority of participants did not know specific fruit and vegetable (F&V) recommendations, but did believe that F&V intake help people stay healthy. When asked about physical activity (PA) and FGP, most participants did not know PA recommendations. Participants described PA as acts done to maintain physical appearance. Participants described PA as "staying in shape". The youths noted weight status as an indicator for PA. Girls provided more responses identifying weight status and body image as reasons for PA. We concluded that images of the FGP are visible in this population; however, usage of MyPyramid.gov is nonexistent. Encouraging use of the MyPyramid.gov for this audience may require different marketing strategies than have been previously employed.