Designing culturally sensitive dietary interventions for African Americans: Review and recommendations

Abstract

Despite consensus that dietary intervention programs should be culturally sensitive, relatively little is known about approaches to developing culturally sensitive interventions. With a focus on African Americans, the present review summarizes the existing literature on cultural considerations when working with this population and suggests strategies for the development of culturally sensitive interventions to modify the dietary practices of African Americans. Interventions to improve dietary behaviors and nutritional status among African Americans are needed urgently in order to reduce morbidity and mortality from diet-related diseases in this population. Findings are intended to serve as a guide for future research and practice on culturally sensitive approaches for effecting such changes. © 2013 International Life Sciences Institute.