Eating Traditional Foods Enhances Diet Quality Among First Nations in Canada: An Analysis Using the Healthy Eating Food Index-2019 (HEFI-2019) and the Canadian Healthy Eating Index 2007 (C-HEI 2007).

Abstract

Understanding the dietary patterns of First Nations is crucial for addressing health disparities and promoting well-being. Historical assaults (colonization and loss of control over their lands) have strongly altered dietary practices and impacted health outcomes for generations. Canada conducts regular surveys to assess the extent to which individuals adhere to dietary guidelines. However, Indigenous peoples living on reserves are excluded from these surveys. This study aims to assess the diet quality of First Nations adults using the Healthy Eating Food Index-2019 (HEFI-2019) and the Canadian Healthy Eating Index 2007 (C-HEI 2007) and identify their influencing factors. Data were collected from adults (19 years and older) across ninety-two First Nations communities throughout Canada. Participants provided information on sociodemographic factors and dietary intake using structured questionnaires and 24h dietary recalls. Statistical analyses included mean scores and regression models to assess associations between dietary indices and influencing factors. The mean HEFI-2019 and C-HEI 2007 scores among First Nations adults were 35/80 and 49/100, respectively, indicating suboptimal adherence to dietary guidelines compared to the Canadian population. Factors such as region, age, sex, education level, number of working people in the household, smoking status, and traditional food intake significantly influenced diet quality. This study underscores the importance of understanding and improving the diet quality of First Nations adults as measured by HEFI-2019 and C-HEI 2007 scores. While acknowledging the low adherence to dietary guidelines, particularly in younger age groups, the study highlights the positive influence of traditional foods on diet quality within Indigenous communities.