An examination of dietary intakes in a low-income area of Jamaica

ABSTRACT

An account of the scarcity of information existing on dietary intakes, the time lapse since any such data have been collected and because of the rapid increases in the cost of living during the last 10 years, a survey was designed to investigate the diets of low-income families concentrating on the most vulnerable members-the pre-school children. Fifteen households in Central Village, a low-income suburban area, and their 22 children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years were studied. The food intakes of the households were measured by the inventory method over a period of 7 days, whilst intakes of the children were measured over the same period by weighing all food eaten for a minimum period of three days supplemented by dietary recall on other days. The survey lasted from November, 1973 until August, 1974 and the weights and heights of the children were measured on three occasions. Household income was assessed by detailed questions on expenditure and the food budget was obtained from the cost of the food items listed in the inventory. A constant surveillance of food prices was maintained throughout the study, from which the foods of best cost-nutrient value were determined. Dietary patterns of both groups were also examined and the nutritional status and dietary intakes of the children compared. The mean weekly income was J$58.69 of which 43 percent was spent on food. Families on the whole shopped wisely and the children were not noticeable underfed. Dietary intakes were on average low, protein and vitamin C being the most satisfactory. Cereals were of greatest importance in the diets of the households whilst dairy products were more outstanding in the diets of the children. 68.2 percent of the children were less than the expected weight for age. However correlation between nutritional status of the children and dietary intakes was not statistically significant (AU)