| The purpose of the study was to help fill the gap in current literature regarding young Latina's knowledge and beliefs about nutrition and weight control as well as their dieting history. A survey instrument specifically tailored to the unique cultural characteristics of this population was developed and administered. The design was cross-sectional, but based on two repeated measures. The subjects were Latina/Hispanic women (n = 263, 46 for a pilot study and 217 for the main study), aged 17 and older, who attended a College in Brooklyn, New York. Aggregate data from the two survey administrations were used to describe the respondents' knowledge and beliefs. More than two-thirds of the sample had poor knowledge about nutrition and weight control issues, especially regarding dietary fat. About one-half of the respondents reported that they were on a special diet to lose weight during the past year. Some weight-loss practices involved healthful strategies, while others were potentially harmful. The healthful weight-loss practices mentioned most often were eating a little less food (84%), eating mostly salads (83%), exercising more (80%), and avoiding sweets and junk food (75%). A substantial proportion of the respondents reported using unhealthful weight loss practices, such as diet pills (43%), laxatives (23%), and throwing up after eating (15%). These findings can be used to help inform the design of health education programs to promote healthful dieting practices and to address the dangers and ineffectiveness of unhealthful dieting practices in this population. |
