| The objective of this study was to identify similarities and differences in dietary patterns by race/ethnicity in a diverse adolescent cohort. The EAT 2010 (Eating and Activity in Teens) study collected surveys and food frequency questionnaires from 2540 students (54% female) in 20 public schools in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota during the 2009-2010 academic year. The racial/ethnic backgrounds of the participants were as follows: 20% white, 28% black, 20% Asian American, 17% Hispanic, 15% mixed/other. Usual dietary intake was assessed using the previously validated, semi-quantitative Youth and Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire and dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. In all racial/ethnic groups “fruit” and “vegetable” patterns were identified along with a “sweets” pattern (loading highly on foods including brownies, cake, and candy). Other identified patterns were not similar across all groups: a “fast food” pattern (hamburgers, French fries) was identified in white, Hispanic and Asian American adolescents; a “meals at home” pattern (macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese, French toast) was identified in black, Hispanic, Asian American, and mixed/other adolescents; a “healthy meals” pattern (tofu, grains, vegetables, dark bread) was identified in white adolescents. This study found similarities and differences in dietary patterns in adolescents with different racial/ethnic backgrounds. An important next step is to study predictors of dietary patterns as this type of information can be used to develop and target interventions aimed at improving dietary intake among different groups of adolescents. |