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The purpose of this study is to explore how children's
taste preferences resemble that of adults. Given the increased prevalence
of CVD among adults in Polynesia this study observes children's
taste preferences as a steppingstone to later dietary intake. East
Asia and the South Pacific rank third in malnutrition compared to
other regions. Thus limited food access may affect children's taste
preferences. Polynesia has an increasing problem of obesity heart
disease and diabetes (International Obesity Task Force 1991 &
CDC NCHS 1994). Children's early food experiences set the stage
for later adult preferences (Birch 1998 & Messer 1986). Socialization
refers to the continuity between adult cultural beliefs and children's
beliefs and behavior (Rozin & Rozin 1977). Understanding the
socialization of taste preference is just a start in understanding
how children begin to model the larger culture's preference. Knowledge
of children's taste preferences may allow health professionals to
target adverse nutritional and health patterns at an earlier age.
For this study convenience sampling will be employed
in Western Samoan and Vanuatu villages. The taste preference task
included a total of twenty eight children in the 10-12 age group
(N = 28) and twenty three adults (N = 23). In Auala five 6-9 year
olds eight 10-12 two 14-15 year olds and seven adults were tested.
Pango village in Port Vila consists of eleven 10-12 yo and seven
adults. The sample in Tanna contains four children 10 and under
eight children 11 and older and five adults. Women were asked to
indicate with a measuring spoon the amount of four different tastants
added to food for themselves and for their children. Also teachers
at primary schools were asked about their nutritional education
curriculum. The availability of spices in local stores were observed.
The taste preference task consists of five concentrations (20%-100%)
of four different tastants: sweet salty bitter and sour. For analytical
purposes the ranked preferences for 20% 40% 60% solutions were grouped
as low concentration score and the 80%-100% concentrations were
grouped to obtain a high concentration score. Rank order preference
of each tastant was obtained with the use of a 5 point scale (Colwill
1987). 1 being strongly dislike and 5 being that they strongly like
the solution. Children and adults were asked to place the solution
next to the appropriate happy face.
Children's preference for sweet and salty tastants
resemble adults by the age of ten. In Auala children's preference
for differed from adults at ages 6-9 except for the sour tastant.
Both across age groups and regions high concentrations of bitter
tastant were preferred with the exception of adults in Tanna. Younger
age groups in Port Vila and Auala prefer low concentrations of sweet.
Mothers in Port Vila and Tanna report limiting children's sugar
intake because of concerns about diabetes. Tanna children 10 &
under prefer High concentrations of sweet tastants despite sugar
being limited by their mothers. Health curriculum is offered in
all areas. Port Vila & Tanna teach the UNICEF/Ministry of Educationa
curriculum. This emphasizes decreased sugar intake and different
family nutritional needs. Auala curriculum establishes link between
sugar intake and diabetes and stress the importance of fitness.
Salt intake is not addressed in either cirriculum. Low availability
of spices in Tanna may influence preference for high concentrations
of sugar in young children.
-Five concentrations of each tastant made it difficult for young
children to compare and adjust preferences. In the future we suggest
use of three concentrations and a three point rank preference scale.
-Formally asess children's diet and health stat
This study was performed with the financial support of the Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, the Faculty Science Council, and CIPA.
A special thanks to Harold Odde,n Dr. Rochat, Dr. Bliwis,e the village
of Auala Pango, and Loui Lotafaga primary school, Pango English
School, and Friendly Bungalows.
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