Diet Quality of Older African Americans: Impact of Knowledge and Perceived Threat of COVID-19

Lucy W. Kibe (), Mohsen Bazargan, Adaobi Bosah, Katrina M. Schrode, Yufu Kuo, Edward Andikrah and Magda Shaheen
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Lucy W. Kibe: Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Mohsen Bazargan: Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Adaobi Bosah: Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Katrina M. Schrode: Department of Psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Yufu Kuo: Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Edward Andikrah: Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Magda Shaheen: Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 7, 1-10

Abstract: Confusing health messages and environmental changes intended to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus have affected the dietary behavior of older African Americans. We investigated the impact of COVID-19-related factors on diet quality and the relationship between food access and diet quality. We surveyed 150 African Americans aged 55 years and above during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data obtained included socio-demographic and health information, and COVID-19-related knowledge and perceptions. Dietary intake data was obtained using the Diet History Questionnaire III. Analyses included bivariate and multivariable statistics. Overall, based on United States Department of Agriculture guidelines, the diet quality of older African Americans was poor. Lower knowledge and a lower perceived threat of COVID-19 were significantly associated with poor diet quality. Additionally, older African Americans with chronic diseases and food insecurity had poor diet quality. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility of diet quality. The combined impact of poor knowledge and perceived threat of COVID-19, chronic disease, and food insecurity contribute to poor diet quality in this population. This study adds to the well-known need for strategies to support the right to a healthy diet, particularly during COVID-19 and future pandemics. Proactive interventions to counteract the potential consequences of poor diets are needed.

Keywords: diet quality; COVID-19; older adults; African American; food insecurity; food environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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