Are South African Women Willing and Able to Apply the New Food-Based Dietary Guidelines? Lessons for Nutrition Educators
S. Afr. j. clin. nutr. (Online)
;
21(2): 17-24, 2008.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1270484
ABSTRACT
"Background:
Consumer testing was a prime consideration in developing specific South African food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) which were nationally adopted in 2003.Objectives This study aimed to determine the consumer's ability to apply the FBDGs appropriately; in terms of identifying foods/drinks according to the FBDG food categories; perceived importance of and barriers to applying each FBDG; and planning a typical day's meals to reflect the FBDGs. Design A cross-sectional study of 333 women from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Setting KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa. Methods Data collection comprised focus-group discussions (n = 103) and structured individual interviews (n = 230). Results The identification of foods/drinks according to the FBDG food categories reflected a high level of comprehension by participants of these food categories. Participants from all study samples endorsed the importance of applying the FBDGs; predominantly for health reasons. Participants cited barriers to the application of the FBDGs as affordability; availability; household taste preferences; routine food-purchasing habits; time constraints; traditional/ habitual food-preparation methods; and persistent attitudes. Only three FBDGs were mentioned as difficult to apply; namely; ""fruits/ vegetables""; ""foods from animals"" and ""legumes"". Meal plans did reflect the FBDGs; illustrating the flexibility of their use across cultural and socio-economic differences. Conclusions Consumer testing of the FBDGs was mainly positive. The study has highlighted areas of confusion regarding certain concepts; terminology and misconceptions; and has identified barriers to application. These concerns can be addressed through the reformulation and retesting of certain dietary guidelines; and the provision of explanatory consumer information and health-worker training materials."
Full text:
Available
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Women
/
Cross-Sectional Studies
/
Food
Type of study:
Practice guideline
/
Observational study
/
Prevalence study
/
Qualitative research
/
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
S. Afr. j. clin. nutr. (Online)
Year:
2008
Type:
Article
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