Food habits and consumption patterns of California Indian homemakers living in rural areas

Abstract

This study examined the food habits and consumption patterns of American Indian homemakers living at 4 geographically diverse sites in California: Trinidad (coastal woodlands), Banning (desert), Bishop (high plains), and Tule River (mountainous interior). Participants, who had at least one child between the ages of 2 and 8 years of age, were recruited by local health clinics serving the Native population. Trained Community Health Representatives obtained demographic information, administered a food habits questionnaire, and recorded a 24-hour food recall for each participant. Demographic information included homemaker's age and educational level, family size and income, monthly food expenditures, and participation in federal food assistance programs. Food habits topics included food aquisition and preparation practices, meal and snack patterns, child feeding practices, traditional foods, knowledge and perception of health status, and perceived nutrition education needs and interests. A total of 204 American Indian women participated in the study. Computer nutrient analysis of the 24-hour food recalls revealed a diet high in fat (mean 35.4% calories from fat) but relatively nutrient dense. A number of healthy food practices, such as breast feeding and late introduction of solids, were prevalent in this population.