Racial and socioeconomic disparities in nutrition behaviors: targeted interventions needed.
OBJECTIVE
To compare dietary knowledge, behaviors and self-efficacy of black middle school students of low socioeconomic status with their white counterparts of higher socioeconomic status.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, school-based survey.


METHODS
Large metropolitan area in the United States.


METHODS
Middle school students (1,208 of low socioeconomic and 978 of higher socioeconomic status).


METHODS
Dietary behaviors, dietary knowledge, and dietary self-efficacy were assessed by questionnaire.


METHODS
Differences between black students of low socioeconomic status and white students of higher socioeconomic status in the above variables.


RESULTS
Black students of low socioeconomic status scored significantly lower than did white students of higher socioeconomic status on several of the variables. They were more likely to consume empty calorie food, meat, and fried food and less likely to eat fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and grains; they were less knowledgeable about dietary variables; and they had significantly lower self-efficacy regarding their ability to change dietary habits.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that black students of low socioeconomic status should be targeted for early intervention related to dietary behaviors. This age group is amenable to change, and interventions designed specifically for them may result in lifetime reductions in risk of morbidity and mortality.
Fahlman
Mariane M
MM
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48208, USA. m.fahlman@wayne.edu
McCaughtry
Nate
N
Martin
Jeffrey
J
Shen
Bo
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D053198:Child Nutrition Sciences / Q000193:education; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D012574:Schools; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students; D014505:Urban Population