P42 Age and Education are Associated with Fried Fish Consumption in the Stroke Belt

Abstract

Objective Fish contain polyunsaturated fatty acids which are associated with decreased cardiovascular (CVD) risk. However, frying fish alters the fatty acids. Consumption of fried fish has been linked to increased risk of CVD and stroke, particularly in populations in the South's Stroke Belt. The purpose of this study was to explore characteristics associated with fried vs. non-fried fish consumption in the rural Appalachian region of the Stroke Belt. Study Design, Settings, Participants Volunteers (n = 195) completed demographic and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) during a community health event in rural Central Appalachia. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Age, gender, education, and income were assessed. Frequency of fried vs. non-fried fish consumption was calculated from the FFQ using DietCalc software. Results Average age was 55 years old (SD = 15.44, range: 19-95). Females comprised 69% (n = 134) of sample. For 41% (n = 79), high school was the highest educational level, and 41.5% (n = 81) had a college degree. Income was Conclusion Fried fish is popular in the South. While non-fried fish is associated with lower CVD and stroke risk, fried fish consumed more than twice weekly increases these risks by 63%. Interventions aimed at increasing the consumption of non-fried fish and reducing fried fish consumption are needed, particularly for older adults and those with lower levels of education.