School of Health and Behavioural Sciences ML41, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia.
Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 30;18(7):3587. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18073587.
Samoan food systems have undergone a dramatic nutrition transition, with dietary patterns changing concurrently with increased rates of obesity and non-communicable disease. Whilst policy action and environmental interventions play an important role in improving access to and consumption of healthy food, the success of these relies on a greater understanding of individuals' food knowledge and behaviours. This study aimed to explore these behaviours using the construct of food literacy in an adult Samoan population. A cross-sectional interviewer-administered questionnaire of a convenience sample of 150 adult Samoans (≥20 years) assessed the four domains of food literacy: plan/manage, select, prepare, and eat. Participants generally plan to include healthy food (87%) and budget money for food (87%). The majority know where to find nutrition labels (68%), of which 43% always use them to inform their food choices. Participants were mostly confident with cooking skills, although food storage practices require further investigation. Over 90% agreed or strongly agreed that food impacts health, although understanding of the Pacific Guidelines for Healthy Living was lacking. Understanding the ability of Samoans to plan/manage, select, prepare, and eat food is an important consideration for future interventions aiming to assist this population in navigating the modern-day food system.
萨摩亚的食物系统经历了巨大的营养转变，饮食模式随着肥胖症和非传染性疾病发病率的增加而发生变化。虽然政策行动和环境干预在改善获得和消费健康食品方面发挥了重要作用，但这些干预措施的成功取决于对个人食物知识和行为的更深入了解。本研究旨在通过食物素养这一概念，在成年萨摩亚人群中探索这些行为。一项横断面访谈式问卷调查了 150 名成年萨摩亚人（≥20 岁），评估了食物素养的四个领域：计划/管理、选择、准备和食用。参与者普遍计划包括健康食品（87%），并为食物预算资金（87%）。大多数人知道在哪里可以找到营养标签（68%），其中 43%的人总是使用它们来告知自己的食物选择。参与者对烹饪技能大多有信心，但食物储存方法需要进一步调查。超过 90%的人同意或强烈同意食物会影响健康，尽管对《太平洋健康生活指南》的理解有所欠缺。了解萨摩亚人计划/管理、选择、准备和食用食物的能力，是未来干预措施的一个重要考虑因素，这些干预措施旨在帮助这一人群在现代食物系统中做出选择。
