The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65058

Tracy Marie Hilliard, BA¹, Deborah J. Bowen, PhD¹, and Jane M. Rees, RD, MS². (1) Cancer Prevention Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Research Center, MP-826, PO Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, (206) 667-7699, tmhill@u.washington.edu, (2) Departments of Pediatrics and Health Services, University of Washington, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Box 357230, Seattle, WA 98195

Numerous social, economic, educational, and cultural factors may influence the types of foods people consume. Current research suggests that dietary behaviors may differ by area of residence. Few studies have examined the possible influence of neighborhood specific characteristics on dietary behaviors. Participants were 913 individuals in a community-based dietary change study in the Greater Seattle Area. Information on individual socioeconomic status (SES) and dietary behaviors was obtained through surveys. Neighborhood SES was defined as median income and education levels, by 2000 Census tracts. Each person was assigned a neighborhood SES indicator based on the address provided in the survey. Nearly 85% of the sample was female. Approximately 83% had received at least some post-secondary education. Over 58% reported living in their neighborhood for more than 10 years. Approximately 58% rated the quality of food stores near their homes as high. Nearly 65% described locations where they shop for food as “very convenient.” The fat and fiber scales were 4-point scales from 1 (low fat, high fiber) to 4 (high fat, low fiber). Mean fat scale summary score was 2.43, SD=0.3994. Mean fiber scale summary score was 2.03, SD=0.4083. Over 75% reported an individual household income of at least $31,000. Average median neighborhood income for this sample was $45,000. Multivariate analyses to test the associations between individual dietary behaviors and neighborhood SES when controlling for effects of individual SES will be presented. This investigation of the association between dietary behaviors and individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status has the potential to impact public health policies and interventions.

Learning Objectives:

After experiencing this presentation, the participant will be able to:
• Understand the need for research examining the role of neighborhood-specific characteristics on dietary behaviors.
• Describe the analyses used to test the associations between individual dietary behaviors and neighborhood SES when controlling for effects of individual SES.
• Apply the methods, results, and conclusions of this investigation regarding the association between dietary behaviors and individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status to public health policies and interventions.

Keywords: Nutrition, Social Inequalities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.