A Preliminary Study of Potential Dietary Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease Among Chinese American Adolescents

Abstract

This study investigated dietary knowledge, attitudes toward diet, behavioral factors affecting diet, and dietary patterns between American Chinese middle school students and Chinese middle school students living in China. Significant differences occurred in these variables between the two groups of students. Chinese students living in China had less knowledge and a less favorable attitude. However, they exhibited more positive behavioral factors affecting diet which include culture, religion, customs, economic factors, beliefs, and values. As for the dietary pattern. Chinese student living in China consumed less meat, dairy products, fat, sweets and snacks, and fast foods, and consumed more fruits, vegetables, and starch. (J Sch Health. 1994; 64(9): 368–371)