| Factors to consider in Micronesian food-based interventions: a case study of preventing vitamin A deficiency. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 15153273 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND: Many factors need to be considered in a food-based intervention. Vitamin A deficiency and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, have become serious problems in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) following the decreased production and consumption of locally grown foods. However, agricultural and social conditions are still favourable for local food production. AIM: To identify key factors to consider in a Micronesian food-based intervention focusing on increased production and consumption of four major Micronesian staple foods: banana, breadfruit, giant swamp taro and pandanus. METHODS: Ethnographic methods including key informant interviews and a literature review. RESULTS: Pacific and Micronesian values, concepts of food and disease, and food classifications differ sharply from Western concepts. There are few FSM professionals with nutrition expertise. Traditional foods and food cultivars vary in nutrient content, consumption level, cost, availability, status, convenience in growing, storing and cooking, and organoleptic factors. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic consideration of the factors that relate to a food-based intervention is critical to its success. The evaluation of which food and cultivar of that food that might be most effectively promoted is also critical. Regional differences, for example FSM inter-island differences between the staple foods and cultivars, must be considered carefully. The evaluation framework presented here may be relevant to Pacific Island and other countries with similar foods where food-based interventions are being planned. An ethnographic approach was found to be essential in understanding the cultural context and in data collection and analysis. |
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Authors:
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L Englberger; G C Marks; M H Fitzgerald |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Review |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Public health nutrition Volume: 7 ISSN: 1368-9800 ISO Abbreviation: Public Health Nutr Publication Date: 2004 May |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2004-05-21 Completed Date: 2004-08-31 Revised Date: 2006-11-15 |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 9808463 Medline TA: Public Health Nutr Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 423-31 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Bribane, Australia. nutrition@mail.fn |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adolescent Adult Aged Cultural Diversity* Diet* Female Food / economics Humans Male Micronesia Middle Aged Nutritive Value Vitamin A Deficiency / etiology, prevention & control* |
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