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Objective To describe the dietary intake of American and Western Samoans, with emphasis on nutrients conventionally related to risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Design Cross-sectional dietary survey. Intake estimates were based on 24-hour recall interviews. Subject Community-based samples of 946 men and women (455 American Samoans, 491 Western Samoans) aged 25 to 55 years. Statistical analyses Tests of differences in means (t tests) and proportions ([Χ.sup.2] tests). Correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to describe correlates of energy and nutrient intakes. Results Few differences were noted between the energy and nutrient intakes of men and women, but substantial differences were found between residents of American Samoa and those of the less modernized country of Western Samoa. American Samoans consumed significantly more energy as carbohydrate (47% vs 44%) and protein (18% vs 13%) and less as fat (36% vs 46%) and saturated fat (16% vs 30%). Energy-adjusted intakes of cholesterol and sodium were higher among American Samoans. These differences persisted after adjustment for age, gender, years of education, occupation, and categories of a 10-point material lifestyle score. Samoans in the lowest category of material lifestyle had significantly lower energy-adjusted intakes of protein, cholesterol, and sodium and higher intakes of saturated fat than those in the upper 2 categories. Additional analyses described the contribution of specific foods to the intakes of energy and macronutrients. Conclusions/applications The observed energy and nutrient intake patterns are consistent with previously reported levels of obesity and risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Samoans and suggest dietary modification for those at highest risk. Dietetics practitioners who counsel Samoan and other Pacific Islander clients should be aware of these intake patterns, which seem particularly malleable to levels of personal income. More generally, results from this study illustrate that the food choices of certain ethnic groups may be profoundly affected by the process of modernization within a country or by migration to a more economically developed locale., The process of economic modernization among traditionally living populations is often associated with profound changes in dietary intake. The consumption of salted, processed foods and animal foods higher in protein, [...]

Blood pressure (BP) levels in 524 youth aged 4-19.9 years and residing in Samoa, were studied. The findings indicated higher levels of BP in males and females, 10-19 years, in the 1991-1993 sample than in the 1979 sample showing a temporal trend of increasing adiposity.

This article describes pathways through which trade policy change in two Pacific Island countries has contributed to changes in the food supply, and thereby to the nutrition transition. The effect of various trade policies from 1960 to 2005 on trends in food imports and availability is described, and case studies are presented for four foods associated with the nutrition transition and chronic disease in the Pacific. Trade policies (including liberalization, export promotion, protection of the domestic meat industry and support for foreign direct investment) have contributed to a reduced availability of traditional staples, and increased availability of foods associated with the nutrition transition, including refined cereals (particularly polished rice and white flour), meat, fats and oils, and processed food products. This study suggests that promoting healthier imports and increasing production of healthier traditional foods, in both of which trade policy has an important effect, has the potential to improve diets and health, in conjunction with other public health intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome has reached epidemic levels in the Samoan Islands. In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2002-2003, dietary patterns were described among American Samoan (n = 723) and Samoan (n = 785) adults (⩾ 18 y) to identify neo-traditional and modern eating patterns and to relate these patterns to the presence of metabolic syndrome using Adult Treatment Panel Ill criteria. The neo-traditional dietary pattern, similar across both polities, was characterized by high intake of local foods, including crab/lobster, coconut products, and taro, and low intake of processed foods, including potato chips and soda. The modern pattern, also similar across both polities, was characterized by high intake of processed foods such as rice, potato chips, cake, and pancakes and low intake of local foods. The neo-traditional dietary pattern was associated with significantly higher serum HDL-cholesterol in American Samoa (P-trend = 0.05) and a decrease in abdominal circumference in American Samoa and Samoa (P-trend = 0.004 and 0.01, respectively). An inverse association was found with metabolic syndrome, although it did not reach significance (P = 0.23 in American Samoa; P = 0.13 in Samoa). The modern pattern was significantly positively associated with metabolic syndrome in Samoa (prevalence ratio = 1.21 for the fifth compared with first quintile; 95% CI: 0.93.1.57; P-trend = 0.05) and with increased serum triglyceride levels in both polities (P < 0.05). Reduced intake of processed foods high in refined grains and adherence to a neo-traditional eating pattern characterized by plant-based fiber, seafood, and coconut products may help to prevent growth in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the Samoan islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]