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Food purchasing behaviors, dietary energy density, perceived health status, and perceived nutrition knowledge of female food stamp recipients living in Southeast Louisiana

Year: 2006
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purchase and consumption of energy-dense nutrient poor [EDNP] foods by low-income individuals contributes to the lower diet quality and increased risk of chronic disease (e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes) in this population. Food purchasing behaviors, dietary energy density [ED], perceived health status, and perceived nutrition knowledge were assessed in 22 female food stamp recipients in Southeast Louisiana. Two 24-hour recalls (at the beginning and at the end of the month) and food expenditure receipts were collected; participants also completed several questionnaires. Fifty percent [%] (n=11) of study participants were food secure, and fifty percent (n=11) were food insecure. Sixty-four % (n=14) of study participants were obese. Perceived nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with body mass index [BMI] (p=0.021) and with monthly expenditures on EDNP foods (p=0.076). A significant association of perceived eating habits with BMI was found (p=0.023). Age was significantly associated with monthly expenditures on EDNP foods (p=0.007), monthly fast food consumption (p=0.090), and perceived physical health (p=0.086). Food security status significantly influenced monthly expenditures on EDNP foods (p=0.007) and monthly fast food consumption (p=0.095), but did not significantly influence BMI or perceived physical health. Income per person in the household was also found to significantly influence perceived physical health (p=0.060). The impact of food purchasing behaviors and dietary energy density on the health of female food stamp recipients in Louisiana should be studied further.
DOI: 10.31390/gradschool_theses.2927
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W2312304716
Cites: 87
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Related to: 10