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Title: DIET QUALITY, OPIONIONS AND PRACTICES OF ADULTS IN THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA

Author
item MCGEE, B - DELTA NIRI
item GOSSETT, J - DELTA NIRI
item SIMPSON, P - DELTA NIRI
item JOHNSON, G - DELTA NIRI
item Bogle, Margaret

Submitted to: Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/19/2005
Publication Date: 4/2/2005
Citation: McGee, B.B., Gossett, J.M., Simpson, P.M., Johnson, G.S., Bogle, M.L. 2005. Diet quality, opionions and practices of adults in the Lower Mississippi Delta [abstract]. Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 19(5):A1019.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to examine diet quality, opinions and practices of a representative sample of LMD adults consisting of 1699 African Americans (AA) and Caucasians (C). Diet quality was determined from 24-hour data collected by computer assisted telephone interviews using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). HEI scores varied significantly by demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. HEI scores increased with levels of education and income and in food secure households. HEI scores were significantly related to eating practices. Adults who indicated that they always or almost always eat lower fat (1)cold cuts, (2) milk, (3) cheese and (4) ice cream had higher mean HEI scores than those that rarely or never did. Mean HEI scores were significantly higher for respondents who felt that it was important to (1) eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, (2) consume adequate fiber, (3) eat a variety of foods, (4) maintain a healthy weight, (5) eat 2 servings of dairy daily, and (6) exercise daily. Food insecure adults had lower overall HEI and vegetable, dairy, cholesterol, and variety sub-scores. Adult diets in the LMD were predominantly in the 'needs improvement' range (Good 6.6%, Needs Improvement 68.6%, and Poor 24.8%). Interventions must target the diet related opinions, attitudes and practices particularly in the food insecure. This will lead to a reduction of chronic nutrition-related disease risk. Supported by USDA, ARS Project #6251-53000-003-00D