Nutrition knowledge predicts eating behavior of all food groups except fruits and vegetables among adults in the Paso del Norte region: Qué Sabrosa Vida.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior in a predominantly Mexican American population on the Texas-Mexico border.


METHODS
Cross-sectional using data from the baseline survey of the Qué Sabrosa Vida community nutrition initiative.


METHODS
El Paso and surrounding counties in Texas.


METHODS
Data gathered in 2000 using random-digit dialing telephone survey. Response rate was 42.6% and final sample size was 963.


METHODS
Knowledge of recommended servings of food items was the independent variable and number of servings of food items consumed was the dependent variable.


METHODS
Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior.


RESULTS
74% of the population was Mexican American. Nutrition knowledge was a significant predictor of eating behavior for grains (odds ratio [OR] = 6.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4, 17.1), dairy (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.4), meats (OR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.5, 2.8), beans (OR = 8.18; 95% CI: 5.1, 13.0), water (OR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.6), but not for fruits and (nonstarchy) vegetables (OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 0.89, 3.2).


CONCLUSIONS
Nutrition knowledge predicts eating behavior for all food groups except fruits and vegetables. The role of cultural factors in eating behavior should be investigated to elucidate this finding. Results have implications for developing nutrition education programs for Mexican Americans.
Sharma
Shreela V
SV
Division of Epidemiology and Michael and Susan Dell Center for Advancement of Healthy Living, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. Shreela.V.Sharma@uth.tmc.edu
Gernand
Alison D
AD
Day
R Sue
RS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards*; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013781:Texas; D014675:Vegetables; D055815:Young Adult