Dong KR, Chen X, Stopka TJ, Must A, Beckwith CG, Tang AM. Food Access, Dietary Intake, and Nutrition Knowledge of Adults on Probation.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2022;
54:510-520. [PMID:
35618404 PMCID:
PMC9186298 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneb.2021.12.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To examine food access, dietary intake, and perceptions about diet and associations with health among adults on probation.
DESIGN
Using a mixed-methods approach, interviews were used to understand food access, dietary intake, and diet and associations with health. A survey measured self-assessed diet quality and diet and associations with health.
SETTING
One probation office in Rhode Island.
PARTICIPANTS
English-speaking adults on probation in 2016 (n = 22 interviews, n = 304 surveys).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Food access, dietary intake, knowledge about diet and health, and perceptions about healthy food.
ANALYSIS
We used a thematic analytic approach to analyze the interviews. Descriptive statistics were performed for the survey.
RESULTS
Many interviewees had inadequate food access, although most participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and some received food from food banks. Interviewees primarily shopped at grocery stores and prepared food at home, and dietary intakes did not meet the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Almost two-thirds (64.2%) of survey participants reported good or fair diet quality. Based on the survey results, the majority of participants strongly agreed and agreed with the statements, "The types of foods I eat affect my health" and "The types of food I eat affect my weight."
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
This study identified low-quality dietary intake and food acquisition strategies, such as shopping sales, buying bulk, and going to multiple stores, by US adults on probation to access food with limited resources. Participants reported interest in eating healthier foods and knew there was a connection between dietary intake and health. These data support addressing ways to improve food access and dietary quality, focusing on future programs and policies for this population.
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