| Summary: | Recent reports indicate that the nutritional status of native Indians is poorer than that of the general population. The culture of native Canadians is currently in a state of transition, with many factors affecting traditional life patterns, producing rapid changes in lifestyles. The present study was undertaken in order to gain fuller understanding of those problems related to food intake and the influence of social and cultural factors. By use of a 24-hour recall, the nutrient content of diets of 144 individuals living at three reserves adjacent to urban centres was compared with diets of 105 individuals at four relatively isolated Indian reserves. Interviews were conducted with 92 women from the seven reserves and information regarding food beliefs, shopping habits, meal planning, food practices, as well as selected socio-economic and family variables, was collected. In addition, data on food prices and foods available in local stores was gathered. Analysis of nutrient intake data showed that low intakes were frequent for calories, calcium, iron and vitamin C. Low caloric intakes were observed for adolescents and most adults, regardless of reserve location. Calcium intakes were lowest on isolated reserves, while iron status was poorest in non-isolated communities. Vitamin C intakes on isolated reserves were considerably lower than on non-isolated reserves. Rank correlation coefficients using Kendall's tau beta demonstrated that several independent variables were related to the dependent variable, food practices of the female household head. These included the location of the reserve, education of respondents, the women's attitudes toward nutrition, household size, and the level reached on the household facilities scale. The most significant factor related to food consumption was isolation (p<.001), with diets in urban areas being more adequate than those in rural areas. Overall food selection was poorest in isolated reserves, notably Babine and Fort Ware. The items most often in short supply were dairy products, fresh meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. Food costs were also highest in the most isolated reserves. It was concluded that food practices of native Indians are poorer at isolated reserves than at those adjacent to urban centres. Indications are that this is a consequence of the interaction of a number of factors: high food prices, poor selection, unemployment, inadequate housing and household facilities, depleting natural food resources, a lack of food/nutrition information, as well as a lack of involvement in health-related programmes. Land and Food Systems, Faculty of Graduate
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