CORRELATES OF HEALTHY EATING HABITS IN LOW-INCOME BLACK-WOMEN AND LATINAS

Background. Few factors related to healthy or unhealthy eating habits in low-income, ethnic minority groups have been identified. In this study, factors associated with healthy and unhealthy eating habits and intent to change eating habits were examined in a sample of law-income Black and Latino women. Methods. Survey questionnaires designed to identify correlates of healthy eating habits were administered to 243 Black and Latino women whose children were enrolled in Head Start programs in South Central Los Angeles. Results. Having health insurance, lower perceived susceptibility to cancer, and higher levels of social support were significantly related to healthy eating habits. Exposure to domestic violence, lower income and knowledge of risk factors, and lower perceived efficacy in changing health outcome were associated with lower levels of intent to change eating habits. Conclusions. Economic factors such as insurance coverage and level of social support should be considered in evaluating and addressing eating habits in low-income, ethnic minority women. Exposure to domestic violence and self-efficacy may also be related to intent to change eating habits in these groups. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.