DIETING BEHAVIORS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN COLLEGE FEMALES

1. DIETING BEHAVIORS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN COLLEGE FEMALES Delores C.S. James, PhD, RD, LD/N Jennifer R. Bonds, Undergraduate Researcher University of Florida Gainesville, Florida Purpose Weight Status First Diet Mean age for first diet was 16.4 years.  Students at FAMU were significantly more likely than students at UF to start their first diet at a later age (17.01 years vs. 15.45 years) (p<.001). Mean BMI for all respondents was 25.24±5.56. FAMU 25.62±6.00 UF 24.89 ±5.10 No significant difference, p>.05 1) To assess body satisfaction and identify dieting behaviors among African American college females. 2) To compare differences in these variables between students at a predominantly white university (University of Florida) and a historically black college and university (Florida A & M). Weight Loss Strategies (n=168) UF FAMU Increase activity 34% 46% Decrease fried foods 41% 33% Decrease sweets 29% 37% Meal bars/drinks 28% 26% Diet pills 13% 19% Low carb diet 15% 30%* Skip meals 17% 24% Fasting 7% 13% Join wt. loss program 6% 10% * p<.05, OR=1.87, 95% CI=1.00-3.5 Methods A convenient sample of 402 undergraduate females completed a self-administered survey. Participants were recruited from sororities, student organizations, and various locations around campus. Demographics UF (n=203) FAMU (n=199) Freshmen 9% 4.5%** Sophomore 35% 18%** Juniors 35% 36% Seniors 21% 42%** ***** At Home 2% 11%** On campus 39% 12%** Apt, alone 10% 15% Apt, roommate 49% 62%** ***** GPA 3.14±0.43 2.99±2.56* * p*<.05 **p<.0001 Body Satisfaction 52% worried about their weight everyday or almost everyday UF FAMU Very satisfied/satisfied 39% 34% Somewhat satisfied 34% 38% Very dissatisfied/dissatisfied 27% 28% No significant difference by school  58% Want to Lose Weight 52% Dieted in Last 12 Months