American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 24, 952-965, Copyright © 1971 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Nutritional status of the Puerto Rican population: master sample survey

An islandwide nutrition survey was carried out in 1966 in a representative stratified sample of the Puerto Rican population. The survey included the collection of socioeconomic, dietary, clinical, and biochemical data. Eight hundred and seventy-seven families were interviewed at their homes, and information in regard to income, occupation, educational level, family composition, and waste disposal facilities was obtained. Detailed data about dietary patterns, frequency of consumption of all kinds of foods, and the facilities of the families for the storage, preparation, and serving of foods were also recorded. Clinical and biochemical tests were done in 663 and 655 subjects, respectively, from a highly representative stratified subsample of 142 families. The clinical data were recorded on punch cards similar to the ICNND detailed examination forms. Biochemical tests included hemoglobin, hematocrit, and plasma values of total proteins, albumin, carotene, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Urinary excretion rates of thiamin, riboflavin, and N¹-methylnicotinamide per gram of creatinine were done in casual urine specimens. Stools for ova and parasites were examined quantitatively in 528 subjects. All data were transferred to a format designed for electronic data processing and subjected to detailed evaluation.

This study reveals very interesting information regarding the various patterns of food consumption among the different socioeconomic levels and the urban and rural people. It shows that higher economic standards do not necessarily improve the nutritional value of the diet. People from remote rural communities were better fed than urban people from slums in regard to several nutrients.