Determinants of low-fat eating behaviors among midlife African American women.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore midlife African American women's low-fat eating habits in the context of health attitudes, social support, and food preferences.


METHODS
A cross-sectional design was used.


METHODS
One Midwestern and 1 national African American women's organization were targeted for data collection.


METHODS
African American women between the ages of 45 and 64.


METHODS
Health Attitudes Scale, Social Support Scale, Eating Behaviors subscale, and Low-Fat Eating subscale.


METHODS
A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed.


RESULTS
Highly educated women did not engage in better eating habits than women with less education. Family members provided more criticism and friends provided more encouragement for healthful eating. However, only family encouragement and criticism for healthful eating and food preferences remained predictive of low-fat eating habits in midlife African American women in the final regression model.


CONCLUSIONS
Changing attitudes may not influence changes in behaviors. Women experience family support as a significant influence to eating habits. Future nutrition interventions should be inclusive of women at every educational level and have a multidimensional focus that targets family involvement and changing behaviors.
Evans
Gina L
GL
Chronic Disease Prevention and Control Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. ginae@bcm.edu
McNeil
Lorna H
LH
Laufman
Larry
L
Bowman
Sharon L
SL
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D016387:Women's Health