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Exploring Shopping Habits and Nutrition Knowledge of Single Mothers in Transitional Housing
Author(s) -
Sweitzer Sara Johnson,
Romo Maria,
McAllaster Michael,
Briley Margaret E
Publication year - 2012
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.26.1_supplement.28.7
Subject(s) - purchasing , intervention (counseling) , environmental health , food preparation , medicine , psychology , gerontology , business , marketing , food safety , nursing , pathology
Objective Transitional housing offers an opportunity for nutrition intervention for single mothers with children. As they transition out of homelessness mothers and children are frequently reestablishing lifestyle dietary habits that include budgeting, grocery shopping and food preparation. This study examined the nutrition knowledge and food purchasing habits of single mothers in transitional housing. Methods Mothers at a small transitional housing project in central Texas were invited to participate in a nutrition study. Data collection included mother questionnaires for dietary habits and nutrition knowledge, grocery receipts as well as heights and weights. Results The mothers (n=21) averaged 36.2 years old with an average BMI of 30.4. Mothers reported frequently drinking milk, 75% (n= 16) and occasionally using the food label when purchasing, 52.3% (n=11). The top five types of foods the mothers purchased were fruit, 11.4% (n=34), sugar sweetened beverages, 11.1% (n=33), Dairy products, 9.7% (n=29), vegetables, 8.7% (n=26), and candy/confections, 6.7% (n=20). Conclusion Single mothers that are in a supportive housing environment would benefit from a targeted nutrition intervention that addressed food behaviors, nutrition knowledge and food purchasing guidance.