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Title: ARE CURRENT FOOD CHOICES CONTRIBUTING TO HEALTH PROBLEMS IN THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI DELTA OF ARKANSAS, LOUISIANA, AND MISSISSIPPI?

Author
item STRICKLAND, EARLINE - ARS CONSULTANT
item McCabe Sellers, Beverly
item Staggs, Cathleen
item Bogle, Margaret

Submitted to: International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/3/2006
Publication Date: 7/13/2006
Citation: Strickland, E., McCabe Sellers, B.J., Staggs, C.G., Bogle, M.L. 2006. Are current food choices contributing to health problems in the Lower Mississippi Delta of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi [abstract]? Proceedings of International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. p. 258.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The Lower Mississippi Delta Region (LMD) of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi is a predominantly rural region of at-risk populations with high rates of poverty and low educational attainment. These states rank among the poorest in the nation, with increased rates of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. The Delta Nutrition Intervention Research Initiative (Delta NIRI), a partnership of six universities, two in each state of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, conducted a cross-sectional "Foods of Our Delta Study (FOODS)" in 36 counties and parishes in the three states. Data were collected using the 24-hour dietary recall from 842 white and 857 African American adults, 19 years of age and older, to determine their food intake. One adult per household was selected randomly to complete the 24-hour dietary recall. Results from the study revealed that adults in all three states consume less dairy products and less fruits and vegetables than adults in the US. These adults indicated that fried potatoes were more likely to be consumed on a regular basis than green leafy and yellow vegetables. Adults in the region tend to eat more meat and added more sugar to their diet than households in the US. The prevalence of perceived nutritional health problems was shown to be higher among these adults in the LMD regardless of race and income. Nutrition intervention research that results in sustainable healthy food choices over time, could contribute to improved health in the region.