The impact of modernisation on the diets of adults aged 20-40 years from Samoan church communities in Auckland

The objective of this study was to describe the food and nutrient intakes of adults in three Samoan church communities located in Auckland, New Zealand.

The study had a cross-sectional design and measured usual dietary intake in 437 participants, aged 20 years and over, using a self-completed, 89-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Median daily energy and nutrient intakes were calculated and compared by gender and age groups.

Men obtained a significantly (p<0.05) lower proportion of their energy from breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables and fats and oils than women. Compared to those aged 40+ years, those aged <40 obtained a significantly (p<0.01) lower proportion of their energy from meat, pulses and eggs, fruit and vegetables, and starchy staples. A significantly (p<0.01) higher proportion of their energy intake came from takeaways, soft drinks, snacks and dairy products. Nutrient analysis revealed that those aged <40 years obtained significantly (p<.001) more energy from fat and sugar, and less energy from protein (p<0.001) than the older group. They also had significantly lower intakes, per 1000 kilocalories, of a wide selection of vitamins and minerals.

A dietary transition has occurred for New Zealand Samoans, reflecting a shift from traditional to modern dietary patterns and a decline in the nutritional quality of the diet.