Food patterns, weight status, and health beliefs of adolescents in American Samoa

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus have risen to epidemic levels in South Pacific Islanders. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore cultural beliefs that need to be considered to develop effective interventions in Samoan adolescents. During the summer of 2006, a graduate student conducted in‐depth, individual interviews in American Samoa with 18 teens, 12 parents, and 8 health professionals. The same researcher weighed and measured the teens and collected a 24‐hour dietary recall. Most teens were recruited through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) summer education program at American Samoa Community College. From the recalls, the most commonly consumed items (in rank order) were sodas/sweetened beverages, chicken, rice, sandwiches, candy, and chips. Despite the high consumption of sweetened beverages, 72% (13) believed that these beverages may contribute to poor health. Average BMI (± SD) among adolescent males and females was 24.69 ± 7.0 and 28.84 ± 7.6, respectively. Using the CDC growth references, 7 (39.9%) were overweight (>/ 95th percentile), and 2 (11.1%) were at risk of overweight (85th to < 95th percentile). The findings from this study will be useful to guide nutrition education interventions to prevent obesity and diabetes in this population. Funded by the Pfeiffer Doctoral Fellowship