According to recent research from the United States, 'Few measurement instruments for children's eating behaviors and beliefs have been specifically validated for African-American children. Validation within this population is important because of potential cultural and ethnic influences.'
'were to evaluate established and newly developed or adapted dietary psychosocial measures in a sample of 303 preadolescent African-American girls and their caregivers. Acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >= 0.70) was found for measures of girls' self-efficacy for healthy eating, outcome expectancies for healthy eating, positive family support for healthy eating and household availability of low-fat food and fruit, juice and vegetables (FJV). Evidence for concurrent validity was found with significant associations between self-efficacy for healthy eating and lower intake of energy (r = -0.17) and fat grams (r = -0.16). Greater FJV availability was associated with greater FJV intake (r = 0.14) and lower body mass index (BMI) in girls (r = -0.12). Positive family support for healthy eating was associated with higher BMI in girls (r = 0.41),' wrote D.A. Sherrillmittleman and colleagues, Children's Hospital.
The researchers concluded: 'These results contribute to the development of scales to evaluate prevention interventions related to dietary intake in African-American children.'
Sherrillmittleman and colleagues published their study in Health Education Research (Measurement characteristics of dietary psychosocial scales in a Weight Gain Prevention Study with 8-to 10-year-old African-American girls. Health Education Research, 2009;24(4):586-595).
For additional information, contact D.A. Sherrillmittleman, St. Jude Children's Hospital & Research Center, Dept. of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
Publisher contact information for the journal Health Education Research is: Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon St., Oxford OX2 6DP, England.
Keywords: United States, Memphis, Life Sciences, Weight Gain, Pediatrics, Psychosocial, Behavior, Health & Society, Children's Hospital.
This article was prepared by Education Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Education Letter via VerticalNews.com.
