(P20-037-24) Progress in Nutrition Interventions Addressing Structural Racism Among African Americans: A Scoping Review

Objectives: African Americans experience high rates of obesity and food insecurity in part due to structural racism, such as an increased density of unhealthful food outlets in African American neighborhoods. Nutrition education and nutrition-focused policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes may be able to play a role in addressing this issue. This scoping review aimed to summarize available literature on this topic and identify progress made since 2020.

Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted encompassing 6 databases—MEDLINE, PyscINFO, Agricola, ERIC, SocINDEX, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. Search results were compared to the Getting to Equity in Obesity Prevention (GEOP) framework.

Results: A search conducted in November 2020 resulted in 30 sources, and a repeat search in February 2024 identified 10 additional sources. The majority of nutrition interventions addressing structural racism among African Americans consisted of PSE changes in combination with nutrition education, strategies focused on proximal causes of racial health disparities. Very few (n=4) papers described interventions to “reduce deterrents” and “improve social and economic resources,” aspects of the GEOP framework which may be better suited to addressing structural racism in the food environment. Additional articles identified in the 2024 search did not include any interventions addressing these aspects of the framework.

Conclusions: Despite increased awareness of structural racism, little progress has been made in addressing the problem through nutrition interventions. Little work has been done that addresses underlying socioeconomic disparities and deterrents to healthful eating, which are fundamental causes of disparities in nutritional status.

Funding Sources: None