Food habits of the hmong living in central California

Author(s):

Ikeda, Joanne P.; Ceja, D.R.; Glass, R.S.; Hardwood, J.O.; Lucke, K.A.; Sutherlin, J.M.

Format:

Journal article

Citation:

Journal Of Nutrition Education, Volume 23, Issue 4 (1991). pp. 168-175.

Language:

English

Abstract:

In order to design more effective nutrition education programs for the over 50,000 Hmong who have immigrated to Central California from Southeast Asia, a study of their food habits was undertaken. Focus interviews were conducted with key informants working in the Hmong community. Using information from these interviews, two questionnaires were constructed to gather specific information on cultural food habits. Trained bilingual paraprofessionals administered the questionnaires, gathered demographic data, and took 24-hour food recalls from 205 volunteer, low-income Hmong home-makers about to be enrolled in the EFNEP Program in San Joaquin, Merced, and Fresno counties. Results of the study include a descriptive summary of eating patterns, staple foods, food preparation, familiar and unfamiliar foods, food procurement, food handling, perceptions and beliefs regarding body size and health, and expressed food and nutrition needs and interests. Computer nutrient analysis of the food recalls from non-pregnant subjects (N-142) revealed intakes of less than 80% of the 1989 RDA for riboflavin, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Pregnant subjects (N = 63) had low intakes of these nutrients, as well as of vitamins B-6 and folacin. © 1991, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. All rights reserved.

ISSN:

00223182 (ISSN)

DOI:

10.1016/S0022-3182(12)81193-9

Identifier:

HmongStudies1364