Comparison of Two Indices of Diet Quality with Acculturation Factors and Demographics in Haitian Americans

Abstract

This study examined associations of language preference and length of stay in the United States and diet among 132 Haitian Americans aged ≥35, born in Haiti. Two dietary indices, Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), were used to assess dietary quality. Years in the United States (>15 years; B = 0.063, p = .012) and female gender (B = 5.63, p = .028) were positively associated with AHEI. Lower HEI scores were associated with speaking no English (B = −6.11, p = .026). Participants reporting an income under 20,000/yr had lower AHEI scores (B = −7.63, p = .014). Concurrent use of these indices would provide a screening tool for nutrition intervention. Public health programs targeting low-cost resources, such as community gardening, are recommended to reduce health disparities among this population.

Keywords:

• acculturation
• Alternative Healthy Eating Index
• dietary quality
• Haitian Americans
• health
• Healthy Eating Index
• immigrants
• language preference
• migration

FUNDING

This research was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health: NIH/NIDDK #1SC1DK083060-01 to corresponding author.