Factors that Influence Interest in Nutrition Counseling in a Sample of Mississippi Adults
Tatum Freeman1, Aubrey Nickey1, Jennifer L. Lemacks, PhD, RD, LD2, Tammy Greer, PhD2, Sermin Aras, MS, RD2
1Mississippi INBRE Outreach Scholar, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
2Mississippi INBRE Telenutrition Center, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Obesity and related chronic diseases are prevalent health concerns in Mississippi; for example, Mississippi has both the second highest adult obesity and diabetes rate in the nation. Past research suggests that nutrition counseling can prevent and treat various chronic diseases and simultaneously improve health outcomes. Yet, few Mississippians (only 13%) have actually attended nutrition counseling. Previous research has shown that both socioeconomic status (SES) and self-efficacy for diet are positively related to dietary quality and that disease diagnosis may motivate participation in behavior management programs. While SES, self-efficacy for diet, and chronic disease status may promote healthy behavior, these variables’ influence on interest in nutrition counseling has not been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the impact of yearly income, chronic disease status, and self-efficacy for diet on interest in nutrition counseling in a sample of Mississippi White, Black and Native American adults (18+). These relationships may also vary by race, as Whites are more engaged in the healthcare system than minorities. Participants were recruited from university outreach events and community settings. Linear regressions were computed using SPSS 20.0 with interest in nutrition counseling regressed onto yearly income, chronic disease status, and self-efficacy for diet. Chronic disease status predicted interest in nutrition counseling for White individuals while self-efficacy for diet predicted interest in nutrition counseling for Black individuals. No significant predictors were found for interest in nutrition counseling in American Indians. These results highlight the importance of race in the discussion of nutrition and healthcare services in Mississippi. Implications and future directions are discussed.