Psychosocial Determinants of Food Acquisition and Preparation in Low-Income, Urban African American Households

Abstract

Background Psychosocial factors are important determinants of health behaviors and diet-related outcomes, yet relatively little work has explored their relation to food-purchasing and preparation behaviors in low-income populations. Aim To evaluate the psychosocial factors associated with food-related behaviors. Methods Cross-sectional data collected from 465 low-income African American adult caregivers in the baseline evaluation of the B’more Healthy Communities for Kids obesity prevention trial. Questionnaires were used to assess household sociodemographic characteristics, food sources frequently used, and food preparation and food acquisition behaviors. Multiple linear regression models explored the associations between caregiver psychosocial variables and food-related behaviors, controlling for caregivers’ age, sex, household income, household size, and food assistance participation. Results Caregivers purchased prepared food at carry-outs on average 3.8 times (standard deviation [SD] = 4.6) within 30 days. Less healthy foods were acquired 2 times more frequently than healthier foods (p < .001). Higher food-related behavioral intention and self-efficacy scores were positively associated with healthier food acquisition (β = 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.09, 1.4]; β = 0.04; 95% CI [0.02, 0.06]) and negatively associated with frequency of purchasing at prepared food sources (β = −0.4; 95% CI [−0.6, −0.2]; β = −0.5; 95% CI [−0.7, −0.3]), respectively. Higher nutrition knowledge was associated with lower frequency of purchasing food at prepared food venues (β = −0.7; 95% CI: [−1.2, −0.2]). Discussion Our findings indicate a positive association between psychosocial determinants and healthier food acquisition and food preparation behaviors. Conclusion Interventions that affect psychosocial factors (i.e., food-related behavioral intentions and self-efficacy) may have the potential to increase healthier food preparation and food-purchasing practices among low-income African American families.

Improvements in Diet and Physical Activity–Related Psychosocial Factors Among African Americans Using a Mobile Health Lifestyle Intervention to Promote Cardiovascular Health: The FAITH! (Fostering African American Improvement in Total Health) App Pilot Study

“…There is evidence to suggest that psychosocial factors affecting healthy diet and PA, such as cost and lack of time, are negatively associated with diet quality and regular PA, respectively [ 12 - 14 ]. Data on diet-related psychosocial factors indicate that self-regulatory behaviors, such as mindful food preparation, have been associated with healthier food acquisition and decreased purchase of preprepared foods among African American adults [ 15 , 16 ]. In addition, culturally tailored interventions integrating social support and addressing barriers have been identified as facilitators of PA in African American women [ 14 , 17 ].…”

A Scoping Review of Household Factors Contributing to Dietary Quality and Food Security in Low-Income Households with School-Age Children in the United States

“…In food-insecure situations, parents reported reducing their own portion sizes and skipping meals to ensure food was available for children [ 45 , [50] , [51] , [52] , [53] ]. Several studies discussed the influence of parent or caregiver self-efficacy for healthful diets and nutritional and health knowledge of dietary quality and/or food security [ 51 , [54] , [55] , [56] , [57] ]. Self-efficacy, which refers to a person’s belief in their ability to engage in healthy eating behaviors, was associated with increased dietary quality and healthy eating behaviors in low-income families and adolescents [ 51 , 55 ).…”

Contributing Factors to Dietary Quality and Food Security in Low-Income Households with Children in the United States: A Scoping Review

“…Ten studies discussed the influence of psychosocial factors, self-efficacy, nutritional and health knowledge, emotional factors, and family relationships on dietary quality and/or food security 13,47,56,60,76,77,78,79 . Self-efficacy, which refers to a person's belief in their ability to engage in healthy eating behaviors, was associated with increased dietary quality and healthy eating behaviors in low-income families and adolescents 47,60,76 .…”