The Impact of Culture on Nutrition Among African American Students at East Carolina University

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interrelationship between food culture in African American communities and its subsequent impact on nutrition. The study explores the cultural model of nutrition among African American students at East Carolina University. The research project involved using free listing techniques to collect information about foods that African American students connect to African American food culture. This technique uses a participant’s own knowledge to elicit cultural models for food and nutrition. This allowed the investigator to collect information about a participant’s cultural knowledge of the cultural models of food and nutrition among African American ECU students. While history and ethnicity are related to health inequalities, research has often neglected to mention the significance that these cultural influences have on individual behaviors. Discussing health disparities in a way that accounts for cultural influences is important in understanding health behaviors.