Nutritional concerns in aboriginal children are similar to those in non-aboriginal children in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Objective To assess food consumption among aboriginal children living on Mi'kmaq reserves in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Design Data were collected as part of a larger study of health perceptions and behaviors in Mi'kmaq children and youth ages 1 to 18 years. Food consumption was assessed using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire during an in-home interview. Subjects/setting Fifty-five children living on a reserve (53% of total population) ages 9 to 18 years. Statistical analyses performed The number of servings of milk products, vegetables and fruit, and snack foods/beverages was calculated by adding the responses to the frequency of consumption of foods assessed in each group. χ2 analysis was used to assess differences in food consumption according to sex and age. Results Only one child reported consuming the recommended minimum of five vegetables and fruit daily (Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating, 1992) (mean [±standard deviation]=2.8±1.1 servings). Twenty-five (49%) of the children consumed three or more servings of milk products daily (mean=2.6±1.3 servings). Approximately half of the children had three or more snack foods/beverages daily (mean=3.1±2.2 servings). Younger children (grades 4 to 6) consumed more cereal, peanut butter, and yogurt than older children. There were no significant differences in food consumption between boys and girls. Conclusions Our findings are consistent with past reports in aboriginal children. However, except for higher consumption of french fries, results are similar to recent surveys of other Prince Edward Island school children, suggesting a province-wide rather than cultural health issue.