Socioeconomic factors influencing food habits in Antigua, the West Indies

The purpose of this paper is to offer an insight into the socioeconomic factors influencing food habits in Antigua, the West Indies. Dietary and socioeconomic data were collected by interview schedule from one respondent in each of 305 randomly selected households in Antigua, W.I., during December, 1981, and January, 1982. Variables hypothesized to influence food habits in Antigua were tested for their relationship with a Dietary Adequacy Score based on the presence of six selected food groups in respondents’ one‐day intake. Independent variables were factor analyzed, yielding two of four factors that were significantly related to the Dietary Adequacy Score in a multiple linear regression model. The first factor, household wealth, implied the relatively high cost of a nutritionally adequate, imported diet. The second factor, exposure to new ideas, reflected the positive influence of a friend from overseas and nutrition education on dietary adequacy. It was postulated that both factors express influences of modernization on the Antiguan diet.

Key words:

• Food Habit Determinants
• Dietary Survey
• Caribbean diet
• Factor Analysis Antigua
• Dietary Adequacy