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HAITIAN AMERICAN MOTHERS' HEALTH AND DIETARY BELIEFS CONCERNING THEIR INFANTS

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Date Issued:
2008
Abstract/Description:
Studies on the effects of immigration are becoming more important as the number of immigrants into the United States continues to grow. This study was implemented in order to discover the infant feeding practices and beliefs of Haitians living in Central Florida. A food frequency card sort and interview were conducted with thirty-four Haitian mothers. Mothers were asked to identify which foods they fed their children. Foods pictured on the cards included a majority of Haitian staple foods, some of which are primary to the American diet as well. Low food feeding frequencies were generally attributed to lack of access to foods or lack of funds. Inexpensive foods, such as rice and beans, which are staples to the Haitian diet, remain prevalent in infant feeding among Haitians living in the United States. However, more American starches like potatoes and cereals are replacing other Haitian staples, such as yams and yuca. This study suggests that dietary acculturation among Haitian Americans is occurring, but not rapidly in this population. Furthermore, women did not express a strong relationship between beliefs about particular foods and infant health.
Title: HAITIAN AMERICAN MOTHERS' HEALTH AND DIETARY BELIEFS CONCERNING THEIR INFANTS.
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Name(s): Schooler, Daniel, Author
Lieberman, Leslie, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2008
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Studies on the effects of immigration are becoming more important as the number of immigrants into the United States continues to grow. This study was implemented in order to discover the infant feeding practices and beliefs of Haitians living in Central Florida. A food frequency card sort and interview were conducted with thirty-four Haitian mothers. Mothers were asked to identify which foods they fed their children. Foods pictured on the cards included a majority of Haitian staple foods, some of which are primary to the American diet as well. Low food feeding frequencies were generally attributed to lack of access to foods or lack of funds. Inexpensive foods, such as rice and beans, which are staples to the Haitian diet, remain prevalent in infant feeding among Haitians living in the United States. However, more American starches like potatoes and cereals are replacing other Haitian staples, such as yams and yuca. This study suggests that dietary acculturation among Haitian Americans is occurring, but not rapidly in this population. Furthermore, women did not express a strong relationship between beliefs about particular foods and infant health.
Identifier: CFE0002434 (IID), ucf:47705 (fedora)
Note(s): 2008-12-01
M.A.
Sciences, Department of Anthropology
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Haiti
nutrition
acculturation
diet
infant
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002434
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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