Hispanic Women in EFNEP Have Low Adherence With Dietary Guidelines Regardless of Acculturation Level

The research study evaluated the acculturation level and dietary patterns of 171 Hispanic women aged 18 to 60 years in the Extension/Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) to determine whether dietary guideline recommendations were met. Three dietary assessment instruments, an acculturation scale, and a bean purchasing questionnaire were completed with the EFNEP class entry forms. Less than 30% of the Hispanic-dominant and only 7% of bicultural and English-dominant women met the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations for fruits, vegetables, or legumes. Dietary quality declines with acculturation, but the diet of less acculturated Hispanic women may be inadequate beforehand.