Racial differences in eating patterns and food purchasing behaviors among urban older women
Year: 2016
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine differences in diet and food purchasing behaviors between Black and White older women living in urban neighborhoods. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Urban neighborhoods in Washington, DC, USA. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling White and Black women of age 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were queried on diet via 24-hour recalls, food purchasing habits, their use of neighborhood resources and local travel patterns. Frequency and location of self-reported food purchasing and consumption were compared by race. RESULTS: In 2014 and 2015, 49 White and 44 Black older women were enrolled in the study. Compared to Whites, Blacks reported lower daily caloric intake (mean (SD) 1314 (404) vs. 1529 (448), p=0.02), with a higher percent of calories from protein and fat 1.8 (7.0), p=0.03), and a slightly higher polyunsaturated to saturated fat ratio (p=0.05). Blacks had substantially lower alternate healthy eating index (AHEI) (33.5 (10.2) vs. 43.9 (10.8) of 80 possible points, p<0.001), daily intake (grams) of total fiber (15.3 (8.1) vs. 22.9 (8.5), p<0.001), insoluble fiber (10.8 (6.9) vs. 15.9 (6.5), p<0.001), and soluble fiber (4.5 (2.0) vs. 6.9 (2.8), p<0.001). Blacks had lower intake of micronutrients, alcohol and caffeine. Blacks shopped for groceries less often (4.4 (3.0) vs. 6.2 (3.0) monthly; p=0.006) and spent a longer time traveling to stores (15.8 (9.1) vs. 11.5 (7.2) minutes per trip, p=0.02). A lower percent of Blacks walked to stores (14% vs. 40%, p=0.003) and a higher percent of Blacks rode in a car with someone else (33% vs. 6%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In an urban setting, food consumption and purchasing behaviors differed substantially between older Black and White women, which should be further investigated and considered to promote healthy eating in older populations.
Authors: Wenjun Li, G. Youssef, E. Procter-Gray, B. Olendzki, T. Cornish, R. Hayes, L. Churchill, K. Kane, K. Brown, M.F. Magee
Institution: University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Language: English
Topic: Nutritional Studies and Diet
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
Awards: University of Massachusetts Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science (GHUCCTS), G2273349799, University of Massachusetts Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science (GHU, G5624510383, Neighborhood Risk Factors for Falls in the Elderly, Neighborhood Risk Factors for Falls in the Elderly
OpenAlex ID: W2547922338