Factors Associated with Perceived Health and Perceived Nutrition among Women in Nadi, Fiji: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT

The current study examined the associations between consumption of traditional foods, perceived health, perceived nutrition and the actual health status of women in rural Fiji. Participants completed dietary and demographic survey. A significant positive correlation was observed between perceived health and traditional starchy root and nut consumption. Perceived nutrition was positively correlated with the consumption of starches, nuts, pulses, and imported processed snack foods. There was no significant correlation between perceived health and actual health indicators. Findings indicate that there is a discrepancy between participant’s perceptions of nutrition and health and their actual health status.

KEYWORDS:

• Fiji
• perceived health
• traditional food
• perceived nutrition