FOOD PREFERENCES AND FOOD HEALTH BELIEFS OF NATIVE SCHOOL-CHILDREN AND MOTHERS IN NORTHERN ALBERTA

Food preference ratings (degree of like or dislike) and health belief ratings for 24 traditional and store-bought foods were examined among 91 Canadian Indian school children and their mothers (n = 42) in north ern Alberta. A group of non-native children (n = 29) attending the sam e school also participated. Ratings were obtained with five-point Like rt-type scales presented in pictorial format. Preference scores of Nat ive participants were highest tor apple, chicken, milk, bannock and mo ose, and lowest for beaver, birch syrup, Labrador tea and green beans. Health belief scores were highest for milk, carrots and apple, lowest for chocolate bar, potato chips and soft drinks. Differences between Native children and their mothers were statistically significant (p < 0.05) in preference for 11 foods, and in health beliefs for 5. Differe nces between Native and non-native children were statistically signifi cant (p < 0.05) in preference for 7 foods and in health beliefs for 3. Nutrition education programs for Native communities should utilize a variety of well-liked traditional and store-bought foods to demonstrat e means of achieving a nutritionally adequate diet.