Authors: Amanda Walch, PhD, MPH, RDN, Andrea Bersamin, PhD 

Publication Year: 2020

Last Updated: 

Journal: Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition

Keywords: Nutrition; Population Information; Women's Health

Short Abstract: Background: Purpose of Study: The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between food security, traditional food intake, and diet quality in urban Alaskan Native women.

Abstract: Background: Purpose of Study: The purpose of the study was to understand the relationship between food security, traditional food intake, and diet quality in urban Alaskan Native women. Type of Info: Data Method: Participants were given two 24-hour dietary recalls, a food frequency questionnaire adapted to include traditional Alaskan Native food, and the USDA Adult Food Security Survey. Diet quality was assessed by using the Healthy Eating Index. Sample: 73 urban Alaskan Native women enrolled in the WIC program, that were 18 years or older and who were not pregnant or lactating. Results: 50.6% of participants were food insecure over the last 12 months. Regression analysis indicated that higher diet quality was significantly associated with higher traditional food intake. Overall traditional food intake was low, with an average of 4% of daily calories coming from traditional foods in participants' diets. Diet quality was poor in participants, with an average diet quality score of 48 points out of a possible 100 on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), anything below 51 points on the HEI is considered poor diet quality. A 10% increase in traditional foods (195kcal/day) had the potential to raise a participant's score on the HEI by 7.3 points. Limitations/Things to Know: This study had a small and non-random sample. Conclusion: Consistent and reliable access to traditional foods through urban programs/policies for low-income Alaska Natives is important to enhancing this population's diet quality and overall health.

Source: Link to Original Article.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9307134/

Type of Resource: Peer-reviewed scientific article