Key sociodemographic factors and food packaging attributes associated with poor diet quality among rural Americans: a cross-sectional survey study.

Objectives: Rural residents face unique challenges that contribute to poor diet quality and health. The objective of this study was to assess diet quality using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (aHEI) among residents of a rural New York county with poor health outcomes, and identify geographic and individual-level factors associated with lower diet quality.

Design: We performed a cross-sectional study using survey data and multivariable linear regression analyses, supplemented by geographic distribution assessment of aHEI scores.

A Comparison of Dietary Intake Among Rural Americans With and Without Diabetes.

Objective: To compare alternative Healthy Eating Index (aHEI) scores among residents with or without diabetes in a rural county and analyze food/drink subgroups for notable differences between the 2 groups.

Methods: We performed cross-sectional surveys and validated food frequency questionnaires among rural residents in Sullivan County, New York. We compared total aHEI and component scores between participants with and without diabetes.