Abstract

Health and cultural practices have nutritional ramificationsbut little is known about the prevalence of such practices on populations in the Pacific. In this study, 400 randomly selected adults on Guam were surveyed via telephone. The sample reflected the ethnic distribution of the island, Chamorro (37%), Filipino (23%), Caucasian (14%), Multiple Ethnic (10%), Asian (7%), Pacific Islander (5%), and Black and other (4%). Data were compared among the various ethnic, age, and gender groups. Nutritional supplements were used by 42.3% of the sample, with Caucasians and Blacks using significantly more than the other ethnic groups. Betel nut, a traditional substance, was used by only 12%, primarily Chamorros and other Pacific Islanders. Caucasians and Asians reported no betel nut use. Occurrence of special diets was reported by 17%. Multiple Ethnic, Chamorro, and Caucasian groups had highest frequencies of special diets. Women were more likely to be on weight loss and men on athletic diets. Nearly everyone (89%) participated in fiestas, a cultural practice where large quantities of food are eaten. Average fiesta consumption was 1.7 ± 2.4 meals per month, but Chamorros ate significantly more, 2.3 ± 3.2. Because fiesta meals are high in calories this practice could promote obesity, which was prevalent in this sample. Mean BMI was 25.7 ± 5.8 with 27.1% in overweight and obese BMI categories. Chamorros had the highest mean BMI, 27.0 ± 5.8, while Filipinos and Asians had the lowest, 24.0 ± 4.4 and 22.5 ± 3.0, respectively. Nearly 40% of the Chamorros were in overweight and obese categories, while significantly fewer Filipinos and Asians were in those categories, 15.3% and 0%, respectively. Because these cultural and nutrition issues varied widely, health care professionals should stress the importance of a healthful lifestyle among all groups and give other advice where appropriate.

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