Food choice factors among urban Native Americans

The purpose of this study was to determine the food choice factors among urban Native Americans. A sample of participants (n = 9) were interviewed in person (one-on-one) or over the phone using a semi-structured interview guide. Questions related to contributing factors such as dietary and lifestyle habits, cultural beliefs and customs, and food security were probed and recorded. The data were transcribed, coded and analyzed to identify themes. Descriptive statistics, including simple counts and percentages were used. Under the topic "dietary and lifestyle habits," six themes emerged including limited budget, time, convenience, motivation, family support and environment, and education. Within the "cultural beliefs and customs" topic, four themes emerged including family and community influence, lack of desire for traditional food, healthfulness of traditional diets, and difficulties with purchasing and convenience (when making traditional meals). Under the topic "food security," four themes emerged including limited budget, food sharing, meal skipping, enrollment in federal programs and food pantries. These results demonstrate the importance of cultural awareness when designing and implementing nutritional interventions. The results support the need to further acknowledge the different habitual dietary and lifestyle factors of Native Americans living in an urban setting as well as acknowledging food insecurity as a major factor for food choice.