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Perception of eating nuts by WIC participants from rural North Carolina
Author(s) -
Pawlak Roman,
Colby Sarah,
Herring Julia
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.723.2
Subject(s) - nut , medicine , environmental health , calorie , health benefits , south carolina , gerontology , demography , traditional medicine , structural engineering , public administration , sociology , political science , engineering , endocrinology
Objective To assess WIC participants' knowledge, attitudes, perceived barriers and perceived benefits associated with eating nuts. Methods A survey was administered to 124 WIC participants. Participants were on average 28 years old and almost exclusively (96%) female. Thirty‐seven percent of the respondents were African American, 51.6% Caucasian, and 9.6% other. Results Respondents' had generally low knowledge (average 20% out of 100%) of the health benefits of nuts. Only about one forth of participants were aware that nuts may help reduce diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk. However, 78% correctly identified nuts as a good source of omega‐3 fatty acids. More than one third believed that eating nuts will cause weight gain. The statement "I would eat nuts on most days of a week if my doctor recommended me to do so" received the strongest agreement score (2.11), whereas the statement "I would eat nuts on most days of the week if they were lower in calories" received the strongest disagreement mean score (3.74). Other factors identified as influencing intake included affordability, and seeking nutrient and fiber. Conclusion WIC participants' knowledge of the health effects of nuts is low highlighting an opportunity to educate on the benefits of nut consumption.