Socioeconomic Factors and Their Relation to Eating Habits in Two Communities in Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Household food purchases and hence consumption are representative of household education, income, employment, and health. This study compares 2 communities in Nova Scotia, Canada: Glace Bay, located east of Sydney on Cape Breton Island, and King’s County, west of Halifax. Glace Bay fares less well in the previous 4 categories and, consequently, it was hypothesized that Glace Bay would also rank lower in terms of nutritional quality of food purchases and their consumption compared to King’s County. Questionnaires regarding socioeconomic conditions and food consumption patterns were completed by households in both communities. Glace Bay residents consumed similar levels of meat and dairy but lower levels of fresh and canned fruits and vegetables compared to King’s County. Glace Bay also had a higher consumption of eggs, bread, carbonated beverages, and French fries and purchased fewer organic foods. It is concluded that lower levels of the 4 factors in Glace Bay contribute to these poorer food intakes and to some indicators of health. Action is required to improve nutrition in Glace Bay.