Dietary intake changes associated with post-cyclone food aid in Western Samoa

This study examines dietary intake responses to a food aid program in Western Samoa, which consisted primarily of rice and flour supplements. Using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, intake estimates were made for 147 Samoans (72 men, 75 women), 5 months before and 8 months after a tropical cyclone. Study participants were from urban Apia (n = 34) and three rural, more traditional villages (n = 113). For the total sample, consumption of rice and pancakes more than doubled, and the contribution of these foods to total carbohydrate and kilocalorie intake increased approximately three-fold (p < 0.0001, for paired t-tests). Significant decreases were noted for the nutrient contribution from breadfruit and coconut products. These dietary changes were significantly less in the urban sub-sample. These results indicate the food aid may have accelerated an existing modernizing trend in the diet of Samoans. The nutritional and economic implications are discussed within the context of Western Samoa.