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Factors to consider in Micronesian food-based interventions: a case study of preventing vitamin A deficiency

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2007

L Englberger ,
GC Marks  and
MH Fitzgerald
L Englberger*
Affiliation:
Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia PO Box 2299, Kolonia, Pohnpei, 96941, Federated States of Micronesia
GC Marks
Affiliation:
Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
MH Fitzgerald
Affiliation:
School of Occupation and Leisure Studies, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
*
*Corresponding author: Email [email protected]
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Abstract

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Background:

Many factors need to be considered in a food-based intervention. Vitamin A deficiency and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, have become serious problems in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) following the decreased production and consumption of locally grown foods. However, agricultural and social conditions are still favourable for local food production.

Aim:

To identify key factors to consider in a Micronesian food-based intervention focusing on increased production and consumption of four major Micronesian staple foods: banana, breadfruit, giant swamp taro and pandanus.

Methods:

Ethnographic methods including key informant interviews and a literature review.

Results:

Pacific and Micronesian values, concepts of food and disease, and food classifications differ sharply from Western concepts. There are few FSM professionals with nutrition expertise. Traditional foods and food cultivars vary in nutrient content, consumption level, cost, availability, status, convenience in growing, storing and cooking, and organoleptic factors.

Conclusions:

A systematic consideration of the factors that relate to a food-based intervention is critical to its success. The evaluation of which food and cultivar of that food that might be most effectively promoted is also critical. Regional differences, for example FSM inter-island differences between the staple foods and cultivars, must be considered carefully. The evaluation framework presented here may be relevant to Pacific Island and other countries with similar foods where food-based interventions are being planned. An ethnographic approach was found to be essential in understanding the cultural context and in data collection and analysis.

Keywords

Food-based interventionVitamin A deficiencyChronic diseaseCarotenoidsPacificMicronesiaValuesFood classification
Type
Research Article
Information
Public Health Nutrition , Volume 7 , Issue 3 , May 2004 , pp. 423 - 431
Copyright
Copyright © CAB International 2004

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