Neighborhood-Level Disadvantage Is Associated with Reduced Dietary Quality in Children

Abstract

Research has linked neighborhood socioeconomic status to differential dietary quality among adults. However, the relationship between neighborhoods and children’s diet remains understudied. The aim of the research was to examine if neighborhood disadvantage (e.g. socioeconomic status, social and physical disorder) affected dietary quality among children. Data for this cross-sectional study were gathered between June 2005 and December 2008. Research participants included 182 children aged 7 to 12 years who were of Hispanic (26%), European (28%) and African American (45%) descent. Dietary intake was gathered via two 24 hour recalls and analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA’s were conducted to determine if there were significant differences in dietary intakes by quartile grouping of neighborhood disadvantage. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine if neighborhood disadvantage (as a continuous measure) was associated with dietary quality. Overall, there were no significant differences in total caloric intake, however, children in disadvantaged neighborhoods consumed a greater percentage of calories from fat (P =.039), trans fat (P =.018), and had a higher sodium intake (P=.01). The results suggest that neighborhood factors may contribute to dietary quality among children. Future interventions should assess mechanisms to improve the availability of healthy foods while taking into account neighborhood level conditions.

Beneficial but Constrained: Role of Urban Agriculture Programs in Supporting Healthy Eating Among Youth

“…Given that unwillingness to try new foods is a barrier in developing food preferences and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in youth and children, UA programs are an important interim step in the trajectory toward healthy eating. 64 Consistent with prior studies, 65,66 there is a positive association between frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables following participation in UA programs (FVCPOST) and neighborhood socioeconomic status. Youth with access to greater social capital-measured as neighborhood household median income in this study-are able to benefit more from the educational experiences offered by UA programs.…”

Food and Nutrient Intake in African American Children and Adolescents Aged 5 to 16 Years in Baltimore City

“…A total of 43% of predominantly African American neighborhoods, and 46% of lower-income neighborhoods were in the lowest tertile of healthy food availability, compared to predominantly higher-income neighborhoods where only 13% of individuals were represented in the lower tertile of healthy food accessibility 19 . Residents in disadvantaged neighborhoods have greater exposure to fast food outlets and convenience stores 34 , and tend to consume more nutrient-poor foods, resulting in increased risk for potential adverse health outcomes 35;36 . Aggarwal et al (2012) reported an association between high food cost and increasing consumption of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals 37 .…”

Contextual Poverty, Nutrition, and Chronic Kidney Disease

“…In a study of 182 children living in the Birmingham, AL metropolitan area, residence in disadvantaged neighborhoods (as determined by census tract-related measures of unemployment and poverty) was associated with higher salt intake as determined by two 24-hour diet recalls. 92 In one of the few studies investigating the association of neighborhood characteristics with urinary sodium excretion as an alternate index of dietary sodium consumption, Murakami et al . examined the relationship between municipal-level indices of neighborhood socioeconomic status (e.g., unemployment, home ownership, overcrowding, etc.)…”