title: Holocaust survivors report long-term effects on attitudes toward food.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To gather information from survivors on the effects that the Holocaust had on their current attitudes toward food.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study: one-on-one semistructured interviews with a script shaped by a pilot study.
  
  
  METHODS
  South Florida homes and community sites, including the Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Convenience sample of 25 Holocaust survivors: 14 men, 11 women; ages 71 to 85 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Current attitudes toward food in relation to Holocaust experiences.
  
  
  METHODS
  Themes and illustrative quotations from transcriptions of audiotaped interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Food attitudes were influenced by Holocaust experiences. Five themes emerged: (1) difficulty throwing food away, even when spoiled; (2) storing excess food; (3) craving certain food(s); (4) difficulty standing in line for food; and (5) experiencing anxiety when food is not readily available. Empathy for those currently suffering from hunger was also reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Food-related issues from the Holocaust remain for survivors. Now in their 70s and 80s, many use health care and related services. Nutritionists, educators, and health professionals should be aware of such issues. Food and nutrition programs should minimize uncomfortable food-related situations for Holocaust survivors and others who experienced food deprivation.
authors.affiliation: Peace Corps, Lesotho, Africa.
authors.forename: Amy J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Sindler
authors.forename: Nancy S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Wellman
authors.forename: Oren Baruch
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Stier
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling / Q000379:methods; D005523:Food Supply; D017767:Holocaust / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*; D013534:Survival / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*