DIETARY-INTAKE CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH POST-CYCLONE FOOD AID IN WESTERN-SAMOA

This study examines dietary intake responses to a food aid program in Western Samoa, which consisted primarily of rice and flour supplements . Using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, intake estim ates were made for 147 Samoans (72 men, 75 women), 5 months before and 8 months after a tropical cyclone. Study participants were from urban Apia (n = 34) and three rural, more traditional villages (n = 113). F or the total sample, consumption of rice and pancakes more than double d, and the contribution of these foods to total carbohydrate and kiloc alorie intake increased approximately three-fold (p < 0.0001, for pair ed t-tests). Significant decreases were noted for the nutrient contrib ution from breadfruit and coconut products. These dietary changes were significantly less in the urban sub-sample. These results indicate th e food aid may have accelerated an existing modernizing trend in the d iet of Samoans. The nutritional and economic implications are discusse d within the context of Western Samoa.