RESUMO

This study assessed dietary intakes, nutritional composition, and identified commonly eaten foods among Jamaicans in Florida. Dietary intake was assessed among 44 study participants to determine commonly eaten foods and nutrient composition. Weighed recipes were collected and analyzed to determine nutrient composition for traditional foods. Top foods that contributed to macronutrient and micronutrient intake were identified and adherence to dietary recommendations was evaluated. Mean daily energy intake was 2879 (SD 1179) kcal and 2242 (SD 1236) kcal for men and women respectively. Mean macronutrient intakes were above dietary recommendations for men and women. Top foods contributing to energy included rice and peas, sweetened juices, chicken, red peas soup, and hot chocolate drink. Results showed sodium intake was more than double the adequate intake estimate (1300-1500 mg). Findings highlight the need to include commonly eaten traditional foods in dietary questionnaires to accurately assess diet-related chronic disease risk. Findings have implications for risk factor intervention and prevention efforts among Jamaicans.

Assuntos

Dieta/etnologia , Emigrantes e Imigrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Ingestão de Energia/etnologia , Adulto , Índice de Massa Corporal , Comportamento do Consumidor , Feminino , Florida/epidemiologia , Humanos , Jamaica/etnologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estado Nutricional , Fatores Socioeconômicos

RESUMO

Information on dietary intakes of Jamaican immigrants in the United States is sparse. Understanding factors that influence diet is important since diet is associated with chronic diseases. This study examined the association between acculturation, socio-cultural factors, and dietary pattern among Jamaican immigrants in Florida. Jamaican persons 25-64 years who resided in two South Florida counties were recruited for participation. A health questionnaire that assessed acculturation, dietary pattern, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease was administered to participants. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to determine associations. Acculturation score was not significantly associated with dietary intake pattern (ß = - 0.02 p = 0.07). Age at migration was positively associated with traditional dietary pattern (ß = 0.02 p < 0.01). Persons with 12 or fewer years of education (ß = - 0.55 p < 0.001), divorced (ß = - 0.26 p = 0.001), or engaged in less physical activity (ß = - 0.07 p = 0.01) were more likely to adhere to a traditional diet. Although acculturation was not a statistically significant predictor of dietary intake, findings show the role of demographic and lifestyle characteristics in understanding factors associated with dietary patterns among Jamaicans. Findings point to the need to measure traditional dietary intakes among Jamaicans and other immigrant groups. Accurate assessment of disease risk among immigrant groups will lead to more accurate diet-disease risk assessment and development of effective intervention programs.