A Comparison of College Students’ Reported Fruit and Vegetable Liking and Intake from Childhood to Adulthood

Objectives: Fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) is below recommendations and fruit and vegetable liking (FVL) is associated with intake. Greater understanding of college student FVL and FVI is needed; therefore, the study objectives were to compare reported FVL and frequency of FVI in adulthood to recollection of FVL and frequency of fruit and vegetable offering (FVO) in childhood and identify factors related to FVL and FVI in college students.

Methods: A retrospective survey was administered via e-mail to randomly selected college students (18–25 years) from 2 Northwestern universities (n = 676). McNemar's chi-square tests were used to evaluate differences in FVL and FVI scores. Spearman's rank identified an association between current FVL and FVI scores and their recollection of FVO as a child. Pearson's chi-square tests were used to examine differences in FVL and FVI scores within the demographic factors age, gender, year in school, urban/rural, body mass index (BMI), childhood overweight, breastfed, and forced to eat fruits or vegetables.

Results: FVL was more frequent in adulthood, but college students reported FVO as a child more frequently than their current FVI. Females reported greater FVL and FVI. Upperclassmen and the 21–25 age group reported greater frequency of vegetable liking and intake compared to underclassmen and the 18–20 age group. Lower vegetable liking and fruit intake were reported for those identifying as overweight, and recollection of FVO in childhood was associated with increased FVL and FVI scores in adulthood. Individuals forced by caregivers to eat vegetables as a child reported a lower vegetable liking than those not forced.

Conclusions: FVL increased from childhood to adulthood, demonstrating a progression; however, recollection of childhood offering was higher than FVI in young adulthood. Results indicate a need for behavioral strategies to increase FVI in college students and encourage offering fruit and vegetables but refrain from forcing children to eat vegetables.     

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption,Fat Intake,and Physical Activity Participation in Relation to Socio-demographic Factors Among Medically Underserved Adults

Fruit and vegetable intake as well as physical activity participation in Mississippi is consistently lower than recommendations. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine fruit and vegetables consumption, fat intake, and moderate-intensity physical activity participation and how these variables relate to socio-demographic factors among medically underserved adults in south Mississippi. Fruit and vegetable consumption and fat intake along with physical activity participation and socio-demographic characteristics was collected from a sample of 161 (48 male and 113 female) adults in south Mississippi. A majority (81.9%) of participants reported consuming less than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day and 54% reported exercising less than three times a week. Only 14% of participants reported eating a low fat diet. Bivariate correlations revealed no significant relationships between fruit and vegetable consumption and fat intake as well as no significant relationships between fruit and vegetable consumption and gender, ethnicity, income, marital status, or education. However, there were significant correlations between physical activity and fat intake (r = -0.21, p = 0.01), and physical activity with fruit and vegetable consumption (r = 0.16, p = 0.05). Higher physical activity rates were associated with decreased fat intake and increased fruit and vegetable consumption. Physical activity was also higher among men (r = -0.16, p = 0.05) and positively correlated with income level (r = 0.21 p = 0.01). In order to effectively identify or develop strategies to improve health by promoting increased fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity, further research is needed to understand the factors that affect behavior choices regarding nutrition and physical activity in this medically underserved adult population.     

Stages of change and health‐related quality of life among employees of an institution

Background Transtheoretical Model of change has been used successfully in promoting behaviour change. Objective To examine the relationships between health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) scores with the stages of change of adequate physical activity and fruit and vegetables intake. Design This was a cross‐sectional study conducted among employees of the main campus and Engineering campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) during October 2009 and March 2010. Main variables studied: Data on physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake was collected using the WHO STEPS instrument for chronic disease risk factors surveillance. The Short Form‐12 health survey (SF‐12) was used to gather information on participants’ HRQoL. The current stages of change are measured using the measures developed by the Pro‐Change Behaviour Systems Incorporation. Statistical analysis: One way ANOVA and its non‐parametric equivalent Kruskal‐Wallis were used to compare the differences between SF‐12 scores with the stages of change. Results A total of 144 employees were included in this analysis. A large proportion of the participants reported inadequate fruits and vegetable intake (92.3%) and physical activity (84.6%). Mean physical and mental component scores of SF‐12 were 50.39 (SD = 7.69) and 49.73 (SD = 8.64) respectively. Overall, there was no statistical significant difference in the SF‐12 domains scores with regards to the stages of change for both the risk factors. Conclusions There were some evidence of positive relationship between stages of change of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake with SF‐12 scores. Further studies need to be conducted to confirm this association.     

The impact of a nutrition education intervention on main meal quality and fruit intake in people with financial problems

BACKGROUND: As part of a course teaching household budgeting, a nutrition education intervention was provided to people with financial problems. The present study aimed at assess the effects of this intervention on the nutritional quality of their main meal and fruit intake, and to collect process information on intervention participation, reactions and opinions. METHODS: For the effect study, a quasi-experimental multiple pre and post-test control group design was used. Telephone dietary recalls were conducted with 35 people in the intervention group and 39 people in the control group. Observations, personal interviews and written questionnaires were used to collect the process data. RESULTS: A significant reduction in saturated fat intake during the mail meal was found. Also, an intervention effect was found for fruit juice consumption, but not for daily fruit intake or vegetable intake during main meal occasions. CONCLUSIONS: The process data revealed some improvements that should be made to the intervention, such as providing more individualized information and tailored recipes.     

A Pre and Post Survey to Determine Effectiveness of a Dietitian-Based Nutrition Education Strategy on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Energy Intake among Adults

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent nutrition education program among adults. A pretest—posttest design was used assessing Nutritional Knowledge (NK), BMI, Energy Intake (EI), Physical Activity Level (PAL), Dietary Intake (DI) and attitudes. 353 adults aged 19–55 years (178 control group (CG) and 175 intervention group (IG)) were recruited. IG participants attended nutrition education sessions evaluated through a post-test given at the end of the 12-week program. Statistical tests performed revealed that compared to CG, participants in IG increased fruit intake and decreased intake of snacks high in sugar and fat significantly (p < 0.05). NK and attitudinal scores also increased significantly in the IG (p < 0.05). No intervention effect was found for vegetables intake, EI, BMI and PAL (p > 0.05). Factors influencing NK were age, gender and education level. “Taste” was the main barrier to the application of the nutrition education strategy. Findings are helpful to health practitioners in designing their intervention programs.     

Is frequency of family meals associated with fruit and vegetable intake among preschoolers? A logistic regression analysis

Background

The present study aimed to examine the associations between frequency of family meals and low fruit and vegetable intake in preschool children. Promoting healthy nutrition early in life is recommended for combating childhood obesity. Frequency of family meals is associated with fruit and vegetable intake in school‐age children and adolescents; the relationship in young children is less clear.

Methods

We completed a secondary analysis using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study‐Birth Cohort. Participants included children, born in the year 2001, to mothers who were >15 years old (n = 8 950). Data were extracted from structured parent interviews during the year prior to kindergarten. We used hierarchical logistic regression to describe the relationships between frequency of family meals and low fruit and vegetable intake.

Results

Frequency of family meals was associated with low fruit and vegetable intake. The odds of low fruit and vegetable intake were greater for preschoolers who shared less than three evening family meals per week (odds ratio = 1.5, β = 0.376, P < 0.001) than preschoolers who shared the evening meal with family every night.

Conclusions

Fruit and vegetable intake is related to frequency of family meals in preschool‐age children. Educating parents about the potential benefits of frequent shared meals may lead to a higher fruit and vegetable consumption among preschoolers. Future studies should address other factors that likely contribute to eating patterns during the preschool years.

     

Psychosocial Correlates of Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in Tehran, Iran

This study examines the frequency of intake of fruits and vegetables among a sample of adolescents in the city of Tehran and the relationship of some behavioral, cognitive, personal, and environmental factors to low fruit and vegetable intake in this group. The study sample included 834 9th, 10th, and 11th grade student adolescents aged 14-19 years. The survey instrument was a structured self-administered questionnaire that consisted of several sections on demographic and social characteristics, perceived weight status, perceived health status, physical activity, food choices, and a 50-item qualitative food frequency questionnaire.

Less than daily consumption of vegetables and fruits was reported by 18% and 27% of adolescents, respectively. A significant association was found between gender and low vegetable but not fruit intake. Psychosocial and behavioral risk factors associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake included low self-efficacy, external locus of control, self-perception of health as fair or poor, and not having a regular exercise program.     

Moderate changes in weight and physical activity can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in susceptible individuals

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is rising significantly, paralleling the increase in obesity observed around the world. Diabetes is a progressive disease that frequently results in serious complications including retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Early detection and treatment of hyperglycemia, the cornerstone of diabetes, can decrease the incidence of these sequelae. Moderate changes in both body weight and physical activity improve the control of hyperglycemia associated with diabetes. Recent studies indicate that similar lifestyle changes can help to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in people at risk of developing this disorder.     

Psychosocial Correlates of Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in Tehran,Iran

This study examines the frequency of intake of fruits and vegetables among a sample of adolescents in the city of Tehran and the relationship of some behavioral, cognitive, personal, and environmental factors to low fruit and vegetable intake in this group. The study sample included 834 9th, 10th, and 11th grade student adolescents aged 14–19 years. The survey instrument was a structured self-administered questionnaire that consisted of several sections on demographic and social characteristics, perceived weight status, perceived health status, physical activity, food choices, and a 50-item qualitative food frequency questionnaire.

Less than daily consumption of vegetables and fruits was reported by 18% and 27% of adolescents, respectively. A significant association was found between gender and low vegetable but not fruit intake. Psychosocial and behavioral risk factors associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake included low self-efficacy, external locus of control, self-perception of health as fair or poor, and not having a regular exercise program.

     

Physical activity behaviours of adults in the Greater Green Triangle region of rural Australia

Objective: To assess physical activity (PA) behaviours of adults in rural Australia. Design and setting: Three cross‐sectional surveys in the Greater Green Triangle area covering the south‐east of South Australia (Limestone Coast), and south‐west (Corangamite Shire) and north‐west (Wimmera) of Victoria during 2004–2006. Participants: A total of 1546 persons, aged 25– 74 years, randomly selected from the electoral roll. Main outcome measures: Overall PA, leisure‐time PA, occupational PA, active commuting and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA. Results: Approximately 80% of participants, more women than men, engaged in 30 minutes or more of daily PA. Only 30% (95% CI 26.3, 33.0) of men and 21% (95% CI 18.3, 23.9) of women did moderate‐to‐vigorous PA for at least 20–30 minutes four or more times a week. In leisure time, most participants were moderately active; almost one‐fifth were inactive and another fifth highly active. Two‐thirds of men engaged in high‐level occupational PA, compared with one‐sixth of women. Only 30% of participants actively commuted to work. There was a tendency for a positive association between income level and leisure‐time PA. Conclusions: One‐fifth of adults in rural Australia were inactive. While there was a high prevalence of participants who engaged in daily PA, few did so at moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity to achieve health benefits. As occupational PA is difficult to change, improvements in levels of PA are more likely during leisure‐time and for some people by engaging in commuting PA.     

Exercise in Young Adulthood with Simultaneous and Future Changes in Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Objectives: Regarding weight management, changes in exercise behavior can also influence nutrition behavior by application of self-regulatory psychological resources across behaviors (transfer effect). This study aimed to determine: (1) if changes in exercise frequency in young adulthood predict simultaneous changes in fruit/vegetable intake (transfer as co-occurrence); and (2) if exercise frequency affects future fruit/vegetable intake (transfer as carry-over).

Methods: 6244 respondents of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 were followed at ages 18–22 (Time-1), 23–27 (Time-2), and 27–31 (Time-3). Repeated measures analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regression determined if the change in exercise frequency between Time-1 and Time-2 was associated with simultaneous and sequential changes in fruit/vegetable intake frequency, controlling for sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, body mass index, and baseline fruit/vegetable intake.

Results: Only 9% continued exercising for 30 minutes more than 5 days/week, while 15% transitioned to adequate exercise and another 15% transitioned to inadequate exercise; for both fruits and vegetables, intake of once per day or more increased with age. Males were more likely to exercise adequately and females to consume fruits/vegetables adequately. Exercise frequency transition was linearly associated with concurrent fruit/vegetable intake during Time-1 and Time-2. The highest increase in mean fruit/vegetable intake occurred for participants who transitioned from inadequate to adequate exercise. A significant Time-2 exercise frequency effect on Time-3 fruit/vegetable intake emerged, after accounting for baseline intake. Increase in Time-2 exercise by one day/week resulted in increased Time-3 fruit and vegetable intakes by 0.17 and 0.13 times/week, respectively.

Conclusion: Transfer effects, although usually discussed in interventions, may also be applicable to voluntary behavior change processes. Newly engaging in and continuing exercise behavior over time may establish exercise habits that facilitate improved fruit/vegetable consumption. Interventions that facilitate transferring resources across behaviors likely will enhance this effect.     

Editorial

Aim: Compare the long-term effects of an energy-restricted very low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LC) diet with an isocaloric high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HC) diet on exercise tolerance and capacity in overweight and obese adults.

Methods: Seventy-six adults (25 males; age 49.2 ± 1.1 years; BMI 33.6 ± 0.5 kg/m²) were randomized to either a hypocaloric (6–7 MJ/day) LC diet (35% protein, 4% carbohydrate, 61% fat) or isocaloric HC diet (24% protein, 46% carbohydrate, 30% fat) for 52 weeks. Pre- and postintervention, participants’ body weight and composition, handgrip, and isometric knee extensor strength were assessed and participants performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion.

Results: Forty-three participants completed the study (LC = 23; HC = 20). Overall, peak relative oxygen uptake increased (+11.3%) and reductions occurred in body weight (?14.6%), body fat percentage (?6.9% [absolute]), isometric knee extensor strength (?12.4%), handgrip strength (?4.5%), and absolute peak oxygen uptake (?5.2%; p ≤ 0.02 time for all) with no diet effect (p ≥ 0.18). During submaximal exercise, rating of perceived exertion did not change in either group (p = 0.16 time, p = 0.59 Time × Group). Compared to the HC diet, the LC diet had greater reductions in respiratory exchange ratio (LC ?0.04 ± 0.01, HC ?0.00 ± 0.01; p = 0.03), and increased fat oxidation (LC 15.0 ± 5.3% [of energy expenditure], HC 0.5 ± 3.9%; p = 0.04).

Conclusion: In overweight and obese patients, an LC diet promoted greater fat utilization during submaximal exercise. Both an LC diet and an HC diet had similar effects on aerobic capacity and muscle strength, suggesting that long-term consumption of an LC weight loss diet does not adversely affect physical function or the ability to perform exercise.