scholarly journals Differences in Diet Quality between School Lunch Participants and Nonparticipants in the United States by Income and Race

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3891
Author(s):  
Elizabeth C. Gearan ◽  
Kelley Monzella ◽  
Leah Jennings ◽  
Mary Kay Fox
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
School Lunch ◽  
The United States ◽  
School Nutrition ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Cost Study ◽  
Hispanic White

Prior research has shown that participation in the United States’ National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is associated with consuming higher-quality lunches and diets overall, but little is known about differences by income and race/ethnicity. This analysis used 24 h dietary recall data from the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study to examine how NSLP participation affects the diet quality of students in different income and racial/ethnic subgroups. Diet quality at lunch and over 24 h was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010, where higher scores indicate higher-quality intakes. HEI-2010 scores for NSLP participants and nonparticipants in each subgroup were estimated, and two-tailed t-tests were conducted to determine whether participant–nonparticipant differences in scores within each subgroup were statistically significant. NSLP participants’ lunches received significantly higher total HEI-2010 scores than those of nonparticipants for lower-income, higher-income, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black students, suggesting that participating in the NSLP helps most students consume healthier lunches. These significantly higher total scores for participants’ lunch intakes persisted over 24 h for higher-income students and non-Hispanic White students but not for lower-income students or students of other races/ethnicities. For NSLP participants in all subgroups, the nutritional quality of their 24 h intakes was much lower than at lunch, suggesting that the positive influence of the NSLP on their overall diet quality was negatively influenced by foods consumed the rest of the day (outside of lunch).

scholarly journals Differences in Nutrient Intake and Diet Quality Between Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White Men in the United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 334-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry L. Thompson ◽  
Chelsea R. Singleton ◽  
Sparkle E. Springfield ◽  
Roland J. Thorpe ◽  
Angela Odoms-Young
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Racial Ethnic ◽  
Hispanic White

Objectives Non-Hispanic black (NHB) men have higher rates of chronic disease than men in other racial/ethnic groups. Poor diet quality is one risk factor for chronic disease, but research on the diet quality and nutrient intake of NHB men is sparse. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the diet quality and nutrient intake of NHB and non-Hispanic white (NHW) men in the United States. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data on 5050 men (31.3% NHB, 68.7% NHW) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2007-2012. To assess diet quality, we calculated Healthy Eating Index (HEI)–2010 scores from each participant’s 24-hour recall data. We used logistic regression models to determine if NHB men had lower odds of meeting dietary recommendations for nutrient intake than NHW men. We used linear regression models to identify significant differences in HEI-2010 scores between NHB and NHW men. Results After adjusting for sociodemographic measures, NHB and NHW men had similar diet quality ( P = .59). Compared with NHW men, NHB men had lower odds of meeting recommendations for dietary fiber and cholesterol intake and higher odds of meeting recommendations for saturated fat and sodium intake. Conclusion Differences between NHB and NHW men in the intake of certain nutrients may be related to chronic disease disparities. Future research should consider racial/ethnic differences in dietary intake among men and the impact these differences have on men’s health.

scholarly journals Awareness and Use of Nutrition Information Predict Measured and Self-Rated Diet Quality of Older Adults in the United States (P18-046-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Vaudin ◽  
Edwina Wambogo ◽  
Alanna Moshfegh ◽  
Nadine Sahyoun
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Nutrition Information ◽  
Ratio Method

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate: 1) the diet quality of older adults, using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015) and self-rated diet quality, 2) characteristics associated with reported awareness and use of nutrition information, 3) factors associated with HEI-2015 score and self-rated diet quality, including the relationship with awareness and use of nutrition information. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 24-hour recall and questionnaire data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014, including 4493 subjects, aged 60 years and older. The population ratio method was used in SAS 9.4 to calculate mean HEI scores. Data was stratified by gender, then t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare means and chi-squares were used to compare proportions. Logistic and linear regression were used to test for associations with diet quality, controlling for potential covariates. Results The mean total HEI score for men was significantly lower than for women (63.7 ± 0.8 vs. 66.6 ± 0.8 respectively, P < 0.0001). Compared to men, more women reported nutrition awareness (53.7% vs. 41.1%, P < 0.0001), and use of nutrition information (19.3% vs. 9.2%, P < 0.0001). Nutrition awareness was also associated with race, age, education, socioeconomic status, and food security. In bivariate analyses, nutrition awareness and use of nutrition information were significantly associated with both HEI score and self-rated diet quality in both men and women. In multivariate analyses, nutrition awareness remained a significant predictor of HEI for women but not men, and remained a significant predictor of self-reported diet quality in men but not women. Conclusions Nutrition awareness and use of nutrition information are significantly related to diet quality in older adults, even when controlling for other factors. There are differences in these relationships for older adult men versus women. Gaps in awareness, indicating need for nutrition education, exist in men, non-whites, those participating in nutrition assistance programs, and those with lower education and socioeconomic status. Closing these gaps may lead to improved diet quality in segments of the older adult population. Funding Sources Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.

scholarly journals Healthy Eating Index-2015 Scores Vary by Types of Food Outlets in the United States

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2717
Author(s):  
Magdalena Vinyard ◽  
Meghan Zimmer ◽  
Kirsten A. Herrick ◽  
Mary Story ◽  
Wenyen Juan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Linear Trend ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Food Outlets ◽  
Over Time

Diet quality in the United States is improving over time but remains poor. Food outlets influence diet quality and represent the environments in which individuals make choices about food purchases and intake. The objective of this study was to use the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) to evaluate the quality of foods consumed from the four major outlets where food is obtained—stores, full-service restaurants, quick-services restaurants, and schools—and to assess changes over time. This cross-sectional study used 24 h dietary recall data from eight cycles (2003–2004 to 2017–2018) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Linear trend estimation was used to test for changes in HEI scores over time, and balanced repeated replicate weighted linear regression was used to test for differences in total and component scores between types of food outlets. Overall, Americans are not consuming a mix of foods from any major category of food outlet that aligns with dietary guidelines. The total score for schools (65/100 points) and stores (62/100 points) was significantly higher than full-service (51/100 points) and quick-service (39/100 points) restaurants (p < 0.0001). HEI scores significantly improved over time for schools (p < 0.001), including an increase in whole grains from less than 1 point in 2003–2004 to 7 out of 10 points in 2017–2018. In 2017–2018, schools received the maximum score for total fruits, whole fruits, and dairy. Continued research on strategies for improving the quality of foods consumed from restaurants and stores is warranted.

scholarly journals Association between Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumption and Nutrient Intake, Nutritional Adequacy, and Diet Quality in Adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2952
Author(s):  
Yong Zhu ◽  
Neha Jain ◽  
Vipra Vanage ◽  
Norton Holschuh ◽  
Anne Hermetet Agler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
National Health ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Nutrition Examination Survey ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Health And Nutrition

This study examined differences in dietary intake between ready-to-eat cereal eaters and non-eaters in adults from the United States. Participants (n = 5163) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016 were included. One-day dietary recall was used to define ready-to-eat cereal consumption status and estimate dietary intake in eaters and non-eaters. Data from Food Patterns Equivalent Database 2015–2016 were used to compare intakes of food groups by consumption status. Diet quality was assessed by Healthy Eating Index 2015. Nineteen percent of US adults were ready-to-eat cereal eaters; they had a similar level of energy intake as non-eaters, but they had significantly higher intake of dietary fiber, and several vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. They were also more likely to meet nutrient recommendations. Compared to non-eaters, ready-to-eat cereal eaters had the same level of added sugar intake but they had significantly higher intake of whole grains, total fruits, and dairy products. The diet quality of ready-to-eat cereal eaters was significantly higher than that of non-eaters. The study supports that ready-to-eat cereal eaters have better dietary intake with a healthier dietary pattern than non-eaters in the United States.

scholarly journals Quality of diet related to food insecurity and food stamps use among older people

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria F Montoya ◽  
Andre W Hite ◽  
Patricia Rohrbeck ◽  
Binky Bawa ◽  
Oladayo O Akinwolemiwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Food Stamps ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Food Security Status

We explore the association between quality of diet and food security status among older persons. Cross-sectional survey of large national samples, from the National Health & Nutrition Examination Surveys (1988-1994 & 2001-2002), in the United States. A total of 5,039 and 2,040 men and women aged 60 and older, respectively. The dependent variable was the healthy eating index (HEI; 2000 and 2005) as a measure of diet quality. The independent variable of interest was food security status and was categorized as food secure, food insecurity receiving food stamps and food insecurity not receiving food stamps. In multivariate analyses, food insecure individuals not receiving food stamps had lower total HEI-2000 scores compared to food secure individuals (b=-3.91, SE=1.81, P=0.0310). Factors independently associated with high HEI (2000 or 2005) scores were female gender, being married, highly educated or wealthy, with very good/ excellent perceived health, or without functional limitations. Food secure individuals had better quality of diet than food insecure individuals. Among food insecure individuals, receiving food stamps was not associated with diet quality. Food insecure families with older individuals may need new methods of dissemination of food and nutrition programs – methods that yield positive and promising changes in the health status of this special population group.

scholarly journals The Challenges Facing Civic Education in the 21st Century

Daedalus ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 142 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Hall Jamieson
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Studies ◽  
Civic Education ◽  
21St Century ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Civics Education ◽  
Social Studies Textbooks ◽  
Civic Skills

This essay explores the value and state of civics education in the United States and identifies five challenges facing those seeking to improve its quality and accessibility: 1) ensuring that the quality of civics education is high is not a state or federal priority; 2) social studies textbooks do not facilitate the development of needed civic skills; 3) upper-income students are better served by our schools than are lower-income individuals; 4) cutbacks in funds available to schools make implementing changes in civics education difficult; and 5) reform efforts are complicated by the fact that civics education has become a pawn in a polarized debate among partisans.

scholarly journals Diet quality of children in the United States by body mass index and sociodemographic characteristics

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Thomson ◽  
Alicia S. Landry ◽  
Lisa M. Tussing‐Humphreys ◽  
Melissa H. Goodman
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics

COVID- 19 and Americans' Perceptions of Change in Diet Quality

2021 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24
Author(s):  
Jay Kandiah ◽  
Jagdish Khubchandani ◽  
Diana Saiki
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Perceived Change

The objective of this research was to conduct an assessment of perceived diet quality from a national random sample of American adults and explore how the perceived change in diet quality varied by key sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 835 adults across the United States completed a multi-item online survey. Statistically significant differences were observed with diets worsening during the pandemic for females, young adults, racial minorities (except Asians), unemployed individuals, widowed/divorced or engaged/cohabitating individuals, those not working from home, non-healthcare professionals, and overweight and obese individuals; the pandemic had an impact on the diet quality of these groups.

scholarly journals Exploring the Provider-Level Socio-Demographic Determinants of Diet Quality of Preschool-Aged Children Attending Family Childcare Homes

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Tovar ◽  
Patricia Markham Risica ◽  
Andrea Ramirez ◽  
Noereem Mena ◽  
Ingrid E. Lofgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Cluster Randomized Trial ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Lower Income ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Family Childcare

Since food preferences develop during early childhood and contribute to dietary patterns that can track into adulthood, it is critical to support healthy food environments in places where children spend significant amounts of time in, such as childcare. It is important to understand what factors influence the diet quality of children cared for in family childcare homes (FCCH). Methods: This study used baseline data from a cluster-randomized trial in FCCH, Healthy Start/Comienzos Sanos. Surveys capturing providers’ socio-demographic characteristics were completed. Food and beverage consumptions were estimated using the Dietary Observation in Childcare protocol, and diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Comparison of mean HEI scores by provider socio-demographic variables were completed using ANOVAs, followed by multiple linear regression models for significant variables. Post-hoc ANOVA models compared mean HEI-2015 sub-components by income and ethnicity. Results: Significant differences in mean HEI-2015 scores were found for provider income level (less than $25,000, HEI: 64.8 vs. $25,001–$50,000: 62.9 vs. $75,001 or more: 56.2; p = 0.03), ethnicity (Non-Latinx: 56.6 vs. Latinx: 64.4; p = 0.002), language spoken outside of childcare (English: 58.6 vs. Spanish: 64.3, p = 0.005), and language spoken in childcare (English: 59.6 vs. Spanish: 64.4; p = 0.02). In linear regression models, a higher provider income ($75,001 or more) was negatively and significantly associated with the total HEI-2015 scores (β = −9.8, SE = 3.7; p = 0.009) vs. lower income (less than $25,000). When entering provider income and ethnicity to the same model, adjusting for Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP), only ethnicity was significant, with Latinx being positively associated with total HEI-2015 scores vs. non-Latinx (β = 6.5, SE = 2.4; p = 0.007). Statistically significant differences were found by ethnicity and language for greens/beans, total protein, and seafood and plant protein HEI-2015 component scores. Discussion: Lower income, and Latinx providers cared-for children had higher diet quality in FCCH compared to the other providers. Future studies should better understand what specific foods contribute to each of the HEI-2015 components in order to better tailor trainings and interventions.

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