Breaking the Cycle: How Socioeconomic Barriers are Holding Guyana Back from Healthier Choices

Download Article

DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.13.01.Art065

Authors : Ginel Nedd, Ginel Nedd

Abstract:

This article explores the socioeconomic barriers contributing to poor dietary habits in Guyana and how they drive the nation's high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It argues that the real issues go beyond personal choice, highlighting the cost of healthy eating, the prevalence of food deserts, cultural influences, and potential solutions for a healthier future. The article calls for government intervention, community-driven movements, and educational initiatives to make healthier choices more accessible and desirable for all Guyanese citizens.


References:

[1].      Global Nutrition Report, 2023, Guyana Nutrition Profile. Global Nutrition Report, [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/latin-america-and-caribbean/south-america/guyana/

[2].      United Nations Food Systems Hub, 2023, Guyana's National Pathway for Food Systems Transformation. [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://www.unfoodsystemshub.org/docs/unfoodsystemslibraries/national-pathways/guyana/2023-03-17.-national-pathway-for-food-systems-transformation---guyana.pdf?sfvrsn=27ee9220_1

[3].      Biomed Central, 2020, Urban Poverty and Nutrition Challenges Associated with Accessibility to Healthy Foods. International Journal for Equity in Health, 19(130). [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-020-01330-0

[4].      Nutrition Reviews, 2018, Factors Perceived to Influence Healthy Eating: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnographic Synthesis of the Literature. Nutrition Reviews, 76(12), 861–874. [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/76/12/861/5092635

[5].      Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (CIJN), 2023, The Food and Water Challenges of Guyana’s Indigenous Communities. [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://www.cijn.org/food-and-water-challenges-of-guyanas-indigenous-communities/

[6].      Department of Public Information, Guyana, 2023, Guyana Endorses Roadmap for Global Food Security to Curb Ongoing Food Crisis. [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://dpi.gov.gy/guyana-endorses-roadmap-for-global-food-security-to-curb-ongoing-food-crisis/

[7].      World Health Organization (WHO). Overview of health indicators and non-communicable diseases in Guyana. WHO Report, [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/136882/ccsbrief_guy_en.pdf

[8].      American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Study on Food Insecurity, Neighborhood Food Environment, and Health Disparities. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 114(6), 1734–1745. [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165%2823%2966352-X/fulltext

[9].      Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Research, 2023, Guyana’s Ongoing Commitment to Food Safety: Protecting Public Health Everyday. [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://jare.org.gy/guyanas-ongoing-commitment-to-food-safety-protecting-public-health-everyday/

[10].     Global Nutrition Report, 2018, Nutrition Country Profile: Guyana. Global Nutrition Report, [Accessed 2023]. Available at: https://globalnutritionreport.org/documents/182/Guyana.pdf