Racial and socioeconomic disparities in nutrition behaviors: targeted interventions needed

Abstract

Objective: To compare dietary knowledge, behaviors and self-efficacy of black middle school students of low socioeconomic status with their white counterparts of higher socioeconomic status.

Design: Cross-sectional, school-based survey.

Setting: Large metropolitan area in the United States.

Participants: Middle school students (1,208 of low socioeconomic and 978 of higher socioeconomic status).

Main outcome measures: Dietary behaviors, dietary knowledge, and dietary self-efficacy were assessed by questionnaire.

Analysis: Differences between black students of low socioeconomic status and white students of higher socioeconomic status in the above variables.

Results: Black students of low socioeconomic status scored significantly lower than did white students of higher socioeconomic status on several of the variables. They were more likely to consume empty calorie food, meat, and fried food and less likely to eat fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and grains; they were less knowledgeable about dietary variables; and they had significantly lower self-efficacy regarding their ability to change dietary habits.

Conclusions and implications: The results of this study suggest that black students of low socioeconomic status should be targeted for early intervention related to dietary behaviors. This age group is amenable to change, and interventions designed specifically for them may result in lifetime reductions in risk of morbidity and mortality.