International Journal of Human Ecology

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
권호 표지

Nutrition Behaviour of Families with Low-Income

  • Jacqueline Koehler (Institute of Nutritional Science, Nutrition Education and Consumer Behaviour, University of Giessen,Germany) ;
  • Stephanie Lehmkuehler (Institute of Nutritional Science, Nutrition Education and Consumer Behaviour, University of Giessen,Germany) ;
  • Ingrid-Ute Leonhaeuser (Institute of Nutritional Science, Nutrition Education and Consumer Behaviour, University of Giessen,Germany)
  • Published : 2004.06.01
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Abstract

Poverty is an important issue, not only in developing countries but also in industrialised societies. In 1999 15% of the European population have been in risk of poverty and the number of people living in poverty in Germany continues to increase. As poverty concerns all aspects of life, it influences health, well-being and the nutrition of the people living on low-income. Although this problem is obvious, only few surveys have been conducted to analyse it and therefore there is only limited information on the nutritional situation and nutrition behaviour of the poor. A qualitative study, which looked closely at the nutrition behaviour of 15 low-income families, was carried out in Giessen, Germany. The results showed that the nutritional situation of poor families differs from that families with a higher income have, the reasons being that their scope for action is restricted by a shortage of money and that there is a lack of skills and knowledge to provide family members with adequate nutrition. Strategies to improve the nutrition situation of poor families should aim at encouraging them to acquire relevant information and appropriate skills to adopt a healthier diet within their financial, social and cultural constraints. Also there have to be socio-political arrangements, which improve existing financial and social provisions as well as preventive educational measures.

Keywords

References

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