Dietary patterns vary greatly by race, ethnicity and region. Assessment of the dietary patterns of specific population groups
improves our understanding of the complex relationship between diet and risk of chronic diseases. This cross-sectional study
was conducted to identify major dietary patterns among minority women and to assess socioeconomic, lifestyle and health
factors associated with them. Total of 250 women aged > 18 year, in pre-menopausal stage, non-pregnant and non-lactating,
were randomly selected. Data on required parameters was collected using standardized questionnaires and tools. Factor
analysis was conducted to extract major dietary patterns while analysis of covariance was fitted to investigate association
between socioeconomic, lifestyle and health factors and adherence to these dietary patterns. Two major dietary patterns,
‘nutrient-dense’ and ‘energy rich’ were extracted. Factors positively associated with ‘nutrient-dense’ dietary pattern included
women's age (β=0.04, 95% CI=0.009-0.07, p<0.05), women's husband or head of household education level > 10 year (β=0.35,
95% CI=0.09-0.59, p<0.001), nuclear family system (β=0.31, 95% CI=0.03-0.59, p<0.05), positive medical history of chronic
diseases such as hyperglycemia and hypertension (β=0.61, 95% CI=0.31-0.90, p<0.001) and existence of leisure time physical
activity (β=0.37, 95% CI=0.16-0.58, p<0.001) while BMI was negatively associated with it (β=-0.04, 95% CI=-0.07- -0.02,
p<0.001). The study findings supported association between socioeconomic, lifestyle and health factors and adherence to a
‘nutrient-dense’ dietary pattern. It is therefore suggested considering all of these important factors when nutrition policies and
programs are designed for women in general and those from minority community in specific.