Factors influencing the dietary intake of indigenous leafy greens by the K'ekchi people of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Factors affecting dietary use of indigenous leafy greens by the K'ekchi people of San Pedro Carcha, Guatemala, were studied over a 13‐month period in 3 communities: 1 rural; 1 semi‐rural; and 1 urban. Seventeen species of indigenous greens were recorded in the diet using a 7‐day food frequency questionnaire. There was a significant interaction (p < 0.01) between the frequency of intake of total greens and the frequency of intake of other foods. There was a positive linear relationship between the frequency of intake of total greens and the frequency of intake of fruits and vegetables, excluding leafy greens, in all three communities. However within, and among, the communities, individuals exhibited considerable heterogeneity in the dietary intake of greens. There was a significantly lower frequency of intake of greens among the urban respondents (p < 0.01). Urban respondents relied more on markets (70%) than gardens (30%) for their source of greens. Seasonal variation in indigenous greens intake (p < 0.01) was related to agricultural practices, with the highest intake recorded during months of clearing land for the maize crop. There was no association between dietary intake of greens and the socioeconomic indicators measured (age, type of employment, household size and land use score).

Key words:

• Indigenous leafy vegetables
• dietary habit
• seasonality
• urbanization
• K'ekchi
• Guatemala