Abstract
Objective
To identify perceptions of Lower Mississippi Delta (LMD) residents regarding factors
that influence a change in healthful food consumption behavior to assist in planning
sustainable nutrition interventions in the LMD.
Design
Nine focus groups were conducted with LMD residents in 9 counties in Arkansas, Louisiana,
and Mississippi. One focus group was held in each county on the topical area of behavioral
change.
Setting
Nine counties in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Participants
The study population included 91 persons, 85 females and 6 males (18-60+ years of
age), of whom 71 were African Americans, 17 were Caucasians, and 3 were Hispanics,
who participated in the focus group discussions.
Analysis
Data analyses were completed by general and specific content coding. Data were reviewed
for emerging themes for each topic. The Social Cognitive Theory served as the framework
for understanding the determinants of a change in healthful food consumption behavior.
Results
The study showed considerable variability in perceptions that are influenced by both
personal and external factors. These factors include health concerns, family influence,
and need for and availability of nutrition information. Participants were interested
in learning about healthful eating, food preparation skills, and portion control.
Conclusions
Focus groups in the LMD identified many important themes relevant to the development
of nutrition interventions in these communities. These data will be used to guide
the community-based participatory interventions that will be developed and implemented
in the LMD. The findings could be applicable to other researchers designing interventions
for similar populations.
Key Words
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Article info
Footnotes
This research was funded by the Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Project No. 6251-53000-002-00D.
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 SOCIETY FOR NUTRITION EDUCATION. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
