Food and health perceptions and practices of Mi'Kmaq children and youth in Prince Edward Island

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to (1) to describe dietary behaviours and (2) to determine the frequency of consumption of common foods in the diets of Aboriginal children and youth living in Mi'kmaq First Nation communities in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Design. A mixed methods study design was used. Data was collected on nutrition perceptions and practices as part of a larger study of health perceptions and behaviours in Mi'kmaq children and youth aged 0-18 years through interviews with the children and their caregivers. Daily and weekly consumption of foods was assessed using previously validated food frequency questionnaires, the Eating Behavior Survey (EBS) and the Harvard Food Service Food Frequency Questionnaire (HSFFQ).

Results. Several common themes emerged from comments from the children and youth, including: food as a determinant of health; family meals; traditional foods; physical activity; and weight. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).