Abstract
Statement of Problem: Despite efforts to improve cultural humility in the dietetics profession, tailored interventions for populations at risk for ethnic and racial health disparities require further improvements. One area needing greater research is nutrition information provided on social media (SM).
Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore SM influence on the perception of cultural food among health-related major college students who identify with an underrepresented ethnic or racial group at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS).
Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews were utilized to gather qualitative data about SM and cultural food perceptions. Interview design was guided by the Social Ecological Model and Theory of Planned Behavior, using the NVivo14 software for coding and thematic analysis.
Results: Fourteen college students participated in interviews. Most participants were female (78.5%, n=11) and nutrition majors (57%, n=8). Average age was 22 years old and eight ethnic groups were represented. Most participants (78%, n=11) reported spending greater than three hours per day on SM, and TikTok (42%, n=6) and Instagram (42%, n=6) were the most utilized platforms. Thematic analysis results include an identification of four themes including perceptions of ‘healthy’ foods, greater connection with heritage, learning and new information, and skewed representation of cultural foods. Participants appreciated fostering a connection with culture through SM but also reported a skewed representation of cultural foods on SM.
Conclusion:
RDs play a critical role in maintaining cultural inclusivity on SM. RDs should leverage SM by encouraging cultural food consumption, utilizing culturally tailored resources, and supporting the platforms of BIPOC RDs. Future research should include how to best utilize SM to create and disseminate culturally appropriate RD resources and client tools to enhance cultural food perception.