Keywords

Haiti, nutrition, acculturation, diet, infant

Abstract

Studies on the effects of immigration are becoming more important as the number of immigrants into the United States continues to grow. This study was implemented in order to discover the infant feeding practices and beliefs of Haitians living in Central Florida. A food frequency card sort and interview were conducted with thirty-four Haitian mothers. Mothers were asked to identify which foods they fed their children. Foods pictured on the cards included a majority of Haitian staple foods, some of which are primary to the American diet as well. Low food feeding frequencies were generally attributed to lack of access to foods or lack of funds. Inexpensive foods, such as rice and beans, which are staples to the Haitian diet, remain prevalent in infant feeding among Haitians living in the United States. However, more American starches like potatoes and cereals are replacing other Haitian staples, such as yams and yuca. This study suggests that dietary acculturation among Haitian Americans is occurring, but not rapidly in this population. Furthermore, women did not express a strong relationship between beliefs about particular foods and infant health.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2008

Advisor

Lieberman, Leslie

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Degree Program

Anthropology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0002434

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0002434

Language

English

Release Date

December 2008

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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Included in

Anthropology Commons

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