Ethnic and gender differences in request for and use of low/non-fat foods in bag lunches.
This study examined ethnic and gender differences in frequency of use and request for low-fat or non-fat foods in bag lunches, while controlling for socioeconomic status. Questionnaires were completed by 1,678 middle school students and their parents (72% response). Ethnic distribution included White (51%), Latino (17%), Asian (11%), Multi-ethnic (11%), and African American (8%). Forty-five percent of students (N = 712, 59% female) brought lunch to school a mean of 3.6 (SD = 1.5) days per week. Boys brought lunch more often (M = 3.8 days/week vs. 3.4, respectively), yet requested less low-fat foods than girls. Whites brought lunches with the most low/non-fat items. Ethnic differences also were found in the use of seven specific bag lunch foods and whether these items were regular or low-fat. Because of ethnic and gender differences, different strategies for reducing fat in bag lunches are needed for different groups.
Jones
L R
LR
Dept. of Psychology, San Diego State University, CA 92120, USA.
Sallis
J F
JF
Conway
T L
TL
Marshall
S J
SJ
Pelletier
R L
RL
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044469:Racial Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004041:Dietary Fats