Dry bean preferences and attitudes among midwest Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women

Authors: WINHAM, DONNA - Iowa State University; TISUE, MEGAN - Iowa State University; PALMER, SHELLY - Iowa State University; Cichy, Karen; SHELLEY, MACK - Iowa State University

Submitted to: Nutrients
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/2019
Publication Date: 1/15/2019
Citation: Winham, D., Tisue, M., Palmer, S., Cichy, K.A., Shelley, M. 2019. Dry bean preferences and attitudes among midwest Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. Nutrients. 11(1):178. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010178.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010178

Interpretive Summary: Dry Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a dietary staple in most Latin American countries but not as important in the United States. The study objectives were to describe dry and canned bean purchasing preferences, consumption frequency, attitudes, and perceptions of beans among low-income Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women in Iowa, and to assess if these characteristics differed by ethnicity, and acculturation level among the Latinas. A convenience sample of 158 women aged 18-65 years completed a written survey in English or Spanish at two health care clinics, one WIC clinic, and five County Extension nutrition education and outreach programs in Central Iowa. Less acculturated Latinas preferred dry beans to canned, and consumed beans more frequently than more acculturated Latinas and non-Hispanic white women. There were significant differences by acculturation for beliefs that beans cause gas, dry beans take too long to prepare, and that it is difficult to make food with beans, and a canned bean attitude scale. Ethnicity and acculturation have a role in differing purchasing patterns and attitudes regarding canned beans.

Technical Abstract: Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intakes in the United States (US) lag behind dietary recommendations despite promotion of their positive nutrition profile, health benefits for reducing chronic disease risk, and inclusion in nutrition assistance programs. Low-income groups, including Hispanics, have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. Hispanic dietary quality and bean consumption may decline with increasing acculturation. Intakes at recommended levels could improve health in all vulnerable low-income groups. The study objectives were to describe dry and canned bean purchasing preferences, consumption frequency, attitudes, and perceptions of beans among low-income Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women, and to assess if these characteristics differed by ethnicity, and acculturation level among the Latinas. A convenience sample of 158 women aged 18-65 years completed a written survey in English or Spanish at two health care clinics, one WIC clinic, and five County Extension nutrition education and outreach programs in Central Iowa. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and multivariate statistical analyses were used to examine significant differences by ethnicity and acculturation. Less acculturated Latinas preferred dry beans to canned, and consumed beans more frequently than more acculturated Latinas and non-Hispanic white women. There were significant differences by acculturation for beliefs that beans cause gas, dry beans take too long to prepare, and that it is difficult to make food with beans, and a canned bean attitude scale. Ethnicity and acculturation have a role in differing purchasing patterns and attitudes regarding canned beans. Findings will be used to inform nutrition education to increase intakes and improve health for low-income women.