Food-related behavior, physical activity, and dietary intake in First Nations - a population at high risk for diabetes.

Objective: To describe determinants of diet-related behavior and physical activity in First Nations for development of culturally appropriate diabetes prevention programs. DESIGN. Cross-sectional 24-hour dietary recalls (n=129), random household risk factor surveys of primary food preparers/shoppers (n=133), and accelerometry (n=81) were assessed in First Nations adults.

Setting: Nine Anishinaabe (Ojibwe and Oji-Cree) First Nations in northwestern Ontario, Canada.

Results: Descriptive statistics (mean, SD, range) were calculated for all outcomes (dietary intake, psychosocial determinants of diabetes risk factors, dietary behaviors, physical activity, and body mass index, BMI) and t-tests were performed to examine differences in means between remote and semi-remote communities. Regression models adjusting for sociodemographic factors were also fit for the outcome measures. Respondents reported high-energy intake (2676 and 2060 kcal/day for men and women, respectively) and acquired higher fat/higher sugar/lower fiber foods up to 30 times more often than healthier alternatives. Over 80% of respondents were overweight or obese (BMI >25 kg/m(2)) with no significant difference between remote and semi-remote communities. Employment and having diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance were positively associated with BMI. Food intention scores were positively associated with healthy food acquisition scores. Younger respondents in semi-remote communities were more likely to have higher knowledge scores. Food intention scores were predicted by outcome expectations; outcome expectations by self-efficacy.

Conclusions: Diabetes prevention programs for First Nations should focus on improving physical activity and dietary intake by targeting specific risk group needs. Food knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and intention are important factors in understanding those needs.