Health Knowledge and Nutritional Adequacy of Female Heads of Households in the United States

摘要: Over the last decade, a large number of studies have attempted to identify influence socioeconomic factors on individuals' nutrient intake. This literature provides insightful explanations what determines consumption patterns, and from public policy perspective, steps may be taken change consumer behavior enhance nutritional status population as whole (Morgan 1986; Senauer, Asp, Kinsey 1991). A criticism existing is that individuals various social strata been lumped together in broad whole. Consequently, certain segments received less attention. The purpose this study address by focusing specific group. target female-headed households - units with female reference person, or without children, no spouse present. group growing proportion U.S. population, rising 11.5 percent all family groups 1977 (Rawlings 1986) over 23 1988 (U.S. Bureau Census 1990). growth generally attributed changing patterns marriage, fertility, divorce, tendency live alone, an increased earnings capacity for women (Wojkiewicz, McLanahan, Garfinkel Poverty predominant characteristic segment population; consequence nearly 50 dependent welfare (McLanahan Booth 1989). Despite concern comprehensive analysis influencing their adequacy currently exists. present aims fill gap. In general better understanding link between intake characteristics fundamental design policies example, Food Stamp Program (FSP) at food product labeling. determinants extensive.(1) No previous work, however, has considered using types variables study. descriptive analyses economic particularly single mothers. Recently, Lino Guthrie (1994) compared expenditures, shopping behavior, diet quality mothers married concluded former diets lower quality. conclusion was based finding mean values three composite measures were statistically different two samples. suggested ". . nutrition education programs consider income constraints single-parent families are needed" (1994, 20). Without multivariate analysis, it unclear how they arrived such recommendations. removes ambiguities new estimation techniques reduce errors associated model specification important consideration context modelling demand (Behrman Deolalikar 1988; Ramezani 1993, 1995). Section outlines proposed approach. describes data construction explanatory related health knowledge, dietary perception, educational attainment. four reports results analysis. key knowledge highly significant predictors intake, suggesting choices likely informed decisions. Policies aim therefore improve diets, independent other household characteristics. Furthermore, Mothersbaugh, Herrmann, Warland (1993) found, higher levels could mitigate negative effects time constraints, which more severe population. …