Dietary intakes, food behaviours and health indicators among Métis youth in Manitoba, Canada.

Abstract

Objective: Poor diets and food insecurity during adolescence can have long-lasting effects, and Métis youth may be at higher risk. This study, as part of the Food and Nutrition Security for Manitoba Youth study, examines dietary intakes, food behaviours and health indicators of Métis compared with non-Métis youth.

Design: This observational cross-sectional study involved a cohort of adolescents who completed a self-administered web-based survey on demographics, dietary intake (24-h recall), food behaviours, food security and select health indicators.

Setting: Manitoba, Canada.

Participants: Participants included 1587 Manitoba grade nine students, with 135 (8·5 %) self-identifying as Métis, a distinct Indigenous nation living in Canada.

Results: Median intake of sugar was significantly higher in Métis (89·2 g) compared with non-Métis (76·3 g) participants. Percent energy intake of saturated fat was also significantly higher in Métis (12·4 %) than non-Métis (11·6 %) participants. Median intakes of grain products and meat and alternatives servings were significantly lower among Métis than non-Métis (6·0 v. 7·0 and 1·8 v. 2·0, respectively) participants. Intake of other foods was significantly higher in Métis (4·0) than non-Métis (3·0). Significantly more Métis participants were food insecure (33·1 %) compared with non-Métis participants (19·1 %). Significantly more Métis participants ate family dinners and breakfast less often than non-Métis participants and had lower self-reported health. Significantly more Métis participants had a BMI classified as obese compared with non-Métis participants (12·6 % v. 7·1 %).

Conclusions: The dietary intakes observed in this study, both among Métis and non-Métis youth, are concerning. Many have dietary patterns that put them at risk for developing health issues in the future.