Nutrition Self-Efficacy and Dietary Patterns among Older African American Women in Kansas

Abstract

Introduction. Nutrition is the key contributor to disparities in many chronic diseases. However, little is known about the dietary habits and nutrition self-efficacy beliefs of older African American women with chronic diseases. This study looked at the relationship between nutrition self-efficacy and dietary patterns among older African American women.
 Methods. A total of 115 African American women 55 years and older, with one or more chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, were recruited from a midwestern city in Kansas. Participants completed a survey comprised of dietary intake items and the Physical Activity and Nutrition Self-Efficacy (PANSE) scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, and Wilcoxon rank sum test (Mann-Whitney U Test).
 Results. There was a 79% (91/115) participation rate. Participants were confident in their ability to maintain healthy behaviors (57.67/72; SD = 11.22). The mean dietary score for fats and carbohydrate consumption was 32.67 ± 2.48 compared to 5.89 ± 3.52 for fruit and vegetable intake. A significant positive correlation was observed between fruit and vegetable intake and nutrition self-efficacy. A higher fruit and vegetable intake were observed among married women (mean = 7.35; SD = 4.45).
 Conclusion. Our findings shed new light on older African American women’s perceptions of healthy eating and the confidence to eat heathy. Based on these results, older African American women met the daily fruit and vegetable recommendations; however, more work is needed to understand how to intervene to improve dietary behaviors regarding fat and carbohydrate consumption in this population. While more research is needed, the findings indicated behavioral theories such as nutrition self-efficacy may have utility in tailoring nutrition interventions in an older African American population.

Factors affecting the change in fruit and vegetable intake and adherence to a diet plan in patients with gastric cancer

“…Patients with gastric cancer who showed a higher self-efficacy in F&V intake and diet planning showed higher readiness for changes in F&V intake and adhering to a food plan. Although few studies till date have evaluated the relationship between self-efficacy and dietary behaviors in gastric cancer survivors, our findings were consistent with those of studies on African American breast cancer survivors, 41 African American women, 42 adolescents, 43 and a low-income population, 44 which showed that self-efficacy for healthy eating behaviors showed a positive association with diet quality or pattern. Similarly, self-efficacy showed a positive association with healthy eating behaviors, including the selection of healthier foods.…”

Influence of a Nutrigenetic Intervention on Self-Efficacy, Emotions, and Rewarding Behaviors in Unhealthy Eating among Mexicans: An Exploratory Pilot Study

“…Similarly, changes in self-efficacy level associated with decreases in dietary fat intake in low-income subjects with excess weight have been reported [ 48 ]. Furthermore, a positive correlation between fruit and vegetable intake and high self-efficacy among African American women was reported [ 49 ]. A meta-analysis that assessed behavior techniques to promote self-efficacy found that dietary interventions focusing on self-monitoring, feedback on performance, revision of behavioral goals, provided rewards, or planned social support increased dietary self-efficacy significantly more than interventions that did not [ 50 ].…”

Challenges to dietary hypertension self‐management as described by a sample of African American older adults

“…The finding that some participants reported success in replacing potatoes in a potato salad with cauliflower suggests the importance of culture in food choices. Endorsing success stories can promote confidence in patients who are working to implement new dietary strategies (Nassim et al, 2020). Older adults require time and opportunity to explore alternative and favorable options that maintain culture and health, and nurses should assist them in identifying and exploring new options.…”

“…Further, individuals living with multiple chronic illnesses, including hypertension, may find it discouraging or difficult to select healthy foods that are best suited to their complex medical needs. Despite these challenges, studies have identified a strong interest in learning about the benefits of preparing and eating healthy foods as well as confidence in their ability to maintain healthy behaviors they had already mastered among older Black/African American women (Lucan et al, 2012; Nassim et al, 2020).…”