Fruit, vegetable, and fat intake among non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white adolescents: associations with home availability and food consumption settings

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to explore home food availability and common settings of food consumption as correlates of fruit, vegetable, and fat intake among a sample of non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white adolescents. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN: Adolescents (n=144 black, 84 white) and their parents completed a cross-sectional survey in an urban adolescent health clinic. The adolescent survey included screening measures for fruit, vegetable, and fat intake and items on frequency of eating meals with family, while watching television, and at three types of restaurants. Parents provided information on home availability of foods. MAIN OUTCOMES: Correlates of fruit, vegetable, and fat consumption. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Spearman correlations for associations among variables, t tests for mean comparisons, and multiple stepwise regression conducted separately for black and white adolescents. RESULTS: In multiple regression, home availability was not significantly associated with fruit, vegetable, or fat intake except for fruit intake among white adolescents only. Use of non-fast-food restaurants was the strongest positive predictor of vegetable intake. For both black and white adolescents, fast-food and buffet restaurant use and eating while watching television were the strongest predictors of fat intake. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with restaurant use and eating while watching television, home availability had a relatively small impact on fruit, vegetable, and fat consumption for both black and white adolescents. Intervention programs on adolescent nutrition should target not just availability of healthful foods, but also ease of access, such as the preparation of fruits and vegetables so that they are flavorful and ready to eat.     

Mealtime TV Use Is Associated with Higher Discretionary Food Intakes in Young Australian Children: A Two-Year Prospective Study

Background: Mealtime television use has been cross-sectionally associated with suboptimal diets in children. This study aimed to assess the two-year prospective association between baseline mealtime television use and subsequent diets in young children, and identify socioeconomic differences. Methods: Parents reported their child’s television use at meals, and fruit, vegetable, and discretionary food intakes. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses assessed the association between baseline mealtime television use and follow-up diet outcomes. Differences were assessed by socioeconomic position. Results: Participants were 352 Australian parents of children aged six months to six years. Daily mealtime television use (average frequency/day) was associated with higher daily frequency of discretionary food intakes (β 0.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.67) at the 2-year follow-up. Individually, television use during breakfast and dinner (1–2 days/week compared to never) predicted higher daily intake frequency of discretionary food, β 0.36 (95% CI 0.12–0.60) and β 0.19 (95% CI 0.00–0.39), respectively. Similarly, 3–7 days/week of television use during breakfast and lunch predicted higher frequency of discretionary food intake, β 0.18 (95% CI 0.02–0.37) and β 0.31 (95% CI 0.07–0.55), respectively. Associations were not socioeconomically patterned. Conclusions: Investigating mealtime television use motivators across the socioeconomic spectrum could inform interventions targeting the high consumption of discretionary foods in children.     

Television use and family mealtimes among a sample of US families with preschoolers

Research has connected family mealtimes with nutrition, child development, and child academic performance. However, it is not clear how television is associated with the quality of family mealtimes, especially mealtime ritualization (MR), mealtime harmony (MH), and child food intake. Parents of preschoolers (N = 278, average age 40–76 months) completed questionnaire measures of television use, MR, MH, and dietary intake. Controlling familial demographics, television use during meals was a significant predictor of less MR and preschooler fruit and vegetable intake, but not of MH. Additionally, a three-way interaction between mealtime television use, MR, and MH visualized differing patterns of mean preschooler obesogenic food intake among families with low and high TV mealtime use. Discussion focuses on the importance of continuing to investigate the impact of screen media use on family mealtimes and other rituals related to child health.     

Correlations in perceived food use between the family food preparer and their spouses and children

Previous research has demonstrated that family members' eating habits are similar. We hypothesized that family members' eating habits would be predicted by the eating habits of the person who prepares the majority of the family's meals and the number of meals the family shares. Participants were 282 members of religious organizations who identified themselves as family food preparers (FFPs), and provided information about their own and their family members' eating habits. Results revealed that FFP fruit and vegetable intake predicted the fruit and vegetable intake of spouses, children, and adolescents (p<0.01), and that FFP consumption of high-fat foods predicted the consumption of high-fat foods of spouses and children (p<0.01). Child fruit and vegetable consumption was also influenced by shared meals: the more meals the child shared with the FFP, the stronger the relationship of FFP fruit and vegetable intake with child fruit and vegetable intake (p<0.05). These findings indicate that dietary interventions targeting the FFP may benefit other family members.     

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.     

Characteristics of family mealtimes affecting children's vegetable consumption and liking

Research has documented an association between family mealtimes and higher dietary quality in school-aged children and adolescents. However, there is little understanding of the specific characteristics of mealtimes that are beneficial and a lack of research with preschool-aged children. This cross-sectional study conducted in the United Kingdom in 2008 examined associations between mealtime characteristics and preschoolers' vegetable consumption and liking. Four hundred and thirty-four primary caregivers of children aged 2 to 5 years reported on children's vegetable intake and liking and completed a questionnaire on frequency of family meals, food preparation, and the social and environmental context of family mealtimes. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses assessed mealtime variables and children's vegetable intake and liking. Multiple regression analysis revealed children's vegetable consumption was predicted by eating approximately the same food as their parents (β=.14; P≤0.01), using ready-made sauces (β=−.12; P≤0.05), and cooking from scratch (β=.11; P≤0.05), accounting for 21% of the variance (with covariates). Children's liking for vegetables was predicted by eating approximately the same food as their parents (β=.15; P≤0.01) and use of preprepared dishes (β=−.15; P≤0.01), accounting for 8% of the variance (with covariates). Frequency of family mealtimes was unrelated to children's vegetable consumption or liking in this sample. This contrasts with findings in older children and adolescents, where frequency of family mealtimes is related to dietary quality and intake. In preschool-aged children, it seems emphasis should be placed on encouraging parents to provide home-cooked meals that mirror those eaten by the adults in the family to improve vegetable intake.     

Family meals during adolescence are associated with higher diet quality and healthful meal patterns during young adulthood

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional research in adolescents has found that eating family meals is associated with better nutritional intake. OBJECTIVE: To describe meal patterns of young adults and determine if family meal frequency during adolescence is associated with diet quality, meal frequency, social eating, and meal structure during young adulthood. DESIGN: Population-based, 5-year longitudinal study in Minnesota. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Surveys and food frequency questionnaires were completed by 946 female students and 764 male students in high school classrooms at Time 1 (1998-1999; mean age 15.9 years) and by mail at Time 2 (2003-2004; mean age 20.4 years). STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multiple linear regression models were used to predict mean levels of young adult outcomes from adolescent family meal frequency. Probability testing of trends in each outcome across ordered categories of family meal frequency used linear contrasts. RESULTS: Family meal frequency during adolescence predicted higher intakes of fruit (P<0.05), vegetables (P<0.01), dark-green and orange vegetables (P=0.001), and key nutrients and lower intakes of soft drinks (P<0.05) during young adulthood. Frequency of family meals also predicted more breakfast meals (P<0.01) in females and for both sexes predicted more frequent dinner meals (P<0.05), higher priority for meal structure (P<0.001), and higher priority for social eating (P<0.001). Associations between Time 1 family meals and Time 2 dietary outcomes were attenuated with adjustment for Time 1 outcomes but several associations were still statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Family meals during adolescence may have a lasting positive influence on dietary quality and meal patterns in young adulthood.     

Fruit and vegetable availability enables adolescent consumption that exceeds national average

The availability of fruit, juice, and vegetables (FJV) in home and school settings is positively associated with adolescent fruit and vegetable consumption. Less is known, however, about the influence on youths' consumption of the availability of FJV in community-based settings. This study examined fruit and vegetable consumption in a sample of 156 African American adolescents (mean age, 11.89 years; range, 10-14 years; 55% female) who were provided with 3 servings each of FJV (9 servings daily) for 3 consecutive days during summer camp programming in New York City youth services agencies. It was hypothesized that youths' mean intake (measured via direct observation) would exceed the mean intake of 3.6 daily servings found among similarly aged youths in the US population given the consistently high number of servings of FJV offered. Intake differences by sex, age, and meal were also examined. Youths' mean (SD) intake of 5.41 (1.51) daily servings was higher than the population mean intake of 3.6 daily servings (P < .001). Youths aged 10 years had higher intake than did youths aged 11, 12, and 13 years. Youths' FJV intake was lower at lunch than at breakfast and dinner meals. Across meals, youths consumed more juice than fruit or vegetables. Increasing the availability of FJV in community-based settings is a promising strategy for enabling fruit and vegetable consumption among African American adolescents. Youths may also benefit from intervention to prevent age-related declines in intake, increase consumption of FJV at lunch meals, and encourage higher consumption of vegetables and fruit.     

Associations between watching TV during family meals and dietary intake among adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between watching television during family meals and dietary intake among adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using survey data from a diverse sample of adolescents. SETTING: Data were collected from a school-based survey during the 1998-1999 school year. PARTICIPANTS: Middle and high school students (N = 4746) from 31 public schools in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Response rate was 81.5%. VARIABLES MEASURED: Intake of fruits, total vegetables, dark green/yellow vegetables, calcium-rich food, grains, soft drinks, fried food, snack food, calories, family meal frequency, and watching television during meals. ANALYSIS: General linear modeling comparing dietary intake across 3 groups. RESULTS: 33.5% of boys and 30.9% of girls reported watching television during family meals. Adolescents watching television were found to have lower intakes of vegetables, dark green/yellow vegetables, calcium-rich food, and grains and higher intakes of soft drinks compared to adolescents not watching television during meals. However, watching television during family meals was associated with a more healthful diet than not eating regular family meals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Watching television during family meals was associated with poorer dietary quality among adolescents. Health care providers should work with families and adolescents to promote family meals, emphasizing turning the TV off at meals.     

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.

     

Come and Get It! A Discussion of Family Mealtime Literature and Factors Affecting Obesity Risk

The L.E.A.D. (Locate, Evaluate, and Assemble Evidence to Inform Decisions) framework of the Institute of Medicine guided the assembly of transdisciplinary evidence for this comprehensive, updated review of family meal research, conducted with the goal of informing continued work in this area. More frequent family meals are associated with greater consumption of healthy foods in children, adolescents, and adults. Adolescents and children who consume fewer family meals consume more unhealthy food. School-aged children and adolescents who consume more family meals have greater intakes of typically underconsumed nutrients. Increased family meal frequency may decrease risk of overweight or obesity in children and adolescents. Frequent family meals also may protect against eating disorders and negative health behaviors in adolescents and young adults. Psychosocial benefits include improved perceptions of family relationships. However, the benefits of having a family meal can be undermined if the family consumes fast food, watches television at the meal, or has a more chaotic atmosphere. Although these findings are intriguing, inconsistent research methodology and instrumentation and limited use of validation studies make comparisons between studies difficult. Future research should use consistent methodology, examine these associations across a wide range of ages, clarify the effects of the mealtime environment and feeding styles, and develop strategies to help families promote healthful mealtime habits.     

Fruit and vegetable intake correlates during the transition to young adulthood

BACKGROUND: During the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, the intake of fruit and vegetables tends to decline, and national survey data indicate that few young adults consume the recommended amounts. This study aimed to identify longitudinal correlates of follow-up fruit and vegetable intake in early young adulthood. METHODS: Surveys and food frequency questionnaires were completed by 1495 adolescent participants in high school classrooms at baseline (in 1998-1999; mean age=15.9 years, SD=0.8) and by mail at follow-up (in 2003-2004; mean age=20.4 years, SD=0.8). In 2007, linear regression methods were used to identify baseline factors associated with follow-up fruit and vegetable intake. RESULTS: Baseline taste preferences, perceived benefits of healthy eating, fast-food intake, time spent watching television, family-meal frequency, and home food availability were correlates of both fruit and vegetable intake during young adulthood across gender. After adjusting for baseline intake, the only correlate of both fruit and vegetable intake during young adulthood across gender was taste preferences. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that nutrition interventions for adolescents should provide opportunities for them to taste more fruit and vegetables, and should address supports for healthy eating both within and outside the home environment.     

Making Time for Meals: Meal Structure and Associations with Dietary Intake in Young Adults

Background

Prior studies have found that family meals and other aspects of meal structure are associated with dietary intake during adolescence, but little research has characterized meals in young adulthood.

Objective

This study was designed to describe attitudes regarding the social nature of meals, time constraints on meals, and meal regularity in young adults. In addition, this study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of young adults who report eating dinner with others and “eating on the run,” and examine associations of these behaviors with meal attitudes and dietary intake.

Design

Data for this cross-sectional analysis were drawn from Project EAT (Eating Among Teens)-II, the second wave of a Minnesota population-based study.

Subjects/setting

Mailed surveys and food frequency questionnaires were completed in 2003-2004 by 1,687 young adult (mean age=20.5 years; 44% male) participants.

Main outcomes measured and statistical analyses performed

χ² tests were calculated to examine differences in meal attitudes and behaviors according to sociodemographic characteristics. Relationships between meal attitudes and behaviors were explored using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Linear regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics were used to examine associations between meal behaviors and dietary intake variables.

Results

The majority of young adults reported they enjoy and value eating with others, but 35% of males and 42% of females reported lacking time to sit down and eat a meal. Eating dinner with others was significantly associated (P≤0.01) with several markers of better dietary intake, including higher intakes of fruit, vegetables, and dark-green and orange vegetables. Eating on the run was significantly associated (P<0.01) with higher intakes of soft drinks, fast food, total fat and saturated fat, and lower intake of several healthful foods.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that health services and programs for young adults should encourage taking the time to sit down for meals and to share meals with others.     

Knowledge, barriers, and stage of change as correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption among urban and mostly immigrant black men

BACKGROUND: Daily fruit and vegetable consumption in black men is low and has remained relatively unchanged during the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE: To examine awareness of fruit and vegetable recommendations promoted by federal agencies and correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption among an urban and mostly immigrant population of adult black men. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study analyzing baseline data (n=490) from a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A large health care worker's union. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge, perceived benefits, stage of readiness, perceived barriers, and daily servings of fruit and vegetable intake. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: One-way analysis of variance and t tests were used to compare fruit and vegetable intake across main study variables. Regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of fruit and vegetable intake. RESULTS: Fruit and vegetable intake was low (mean was three servings/day). Ninety-four percent were not aware that men should consume at least nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily and 59.8% were not aware that eating a colorful variety is important. In contrast, over half (54.7%) were aware that a single serving is equal to about a handful; 94.1% correctly reported fruit and vegetables as an important source of fiber; 79.6% correctly reported vitamin pills were not a substitute for eating fruits and vegetables; and 94.5% recognized that there are health benefits to eating fruits and vegetables, although identification of specific benefits was minimal. In regression analysis, a greater level of fruit and vegetable consumption was significantly associated with greater knowledge of fruit and vegetable recommendations, lower perceived barriers, and a more advanced stage of change (action vs contemplation/preparation). Perceived health benefits were not associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of awareness of the current fruit and vegetable recommendations. In addition, men reported fruit and vegetable intakes that were far below national recommendations. Greater efforts are needed to help urban and primarily immigrant black men realize the importance of and recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption.     

The association between family meals, TV viewing during meals, and fruit, vegetables, soda, and chips intake among Latino children

ObjectiveExamine the relationship of family meals to children's consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as soda and chips. Additionally, to assess the relationship between viewing TV during family meals and children's diet.DesignCross-sectional study that used a questionnaire completed by parents.SettingThirteen schools in San Diego, California.ParticipantsSeven hundred ninety-four children and their parents.AnalysisOrdinal regression assessed associations between children's intake of fruit, vegetables, soda, and chips with family meal frequency and TV viewing during family meals.ResultsChildren who consumed breakfast, lunch, or dinner with their family at least 4 days per week ate fruit and vegetables 5 or more times a week 84%, 85%, and 80%, respectively. Of those children who ate breakfast, lunch, or dinner with their family at least 4 days per week, 40%, 44%, and 43% consumed soda and chips 5 or more times a week, respectively. Children who ate breakfast with their families at least 4 times a week were more likely to consume fruit and vegetables, and children whose TV was never or rarely on during family meals were less likely to consume soda and chips (P = .04 and P < .001, respectively).ConclusionsInterventions geared at increasing the frequency of eating breakfast as a family and decreasing the amount of TV watched during family meals are needed, especially among acculturating Latino families.     

Are Family Meal Patterns Associated with Overall Diet Quality during the Transition from Early to Middle Adolescence?

ObjectiveTo examine longitudinal associations of participation in regular family meals (≥ 5 meals/week) with eating habits and dietary intake during adolescence.DesignPopulation-based, longitudinal study (Project EAT: Eating Among Teens). Surveys were completed in Minnesota classrooms at Time 1 (1998-1999) and by mail at Time 2 (2003-2004).SettingBaseline surveys were completed in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, schools and by mail at follow-up.Participants677 adolescents (303 males and 374 females) who were in middle school at Time 1 (mean age = 12.8 ± 0.74 years) and high school at Time 2 (mean age = 17.2 ± 0.59 years).Main Outcome MeasuresDietary intake, frequency of meals, and fast-food intake patterns.AnalysisGeneralized linear modeling stratified by gender and adjusted for race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and the Time 1 outcome.ResultsRegular family meals were positively associated with Time 2 frequency of breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals for males and breakfast and dinner meals for females. Among males, regular family meals were negatively associated with Time 2 fast-food intake. Regular family meals were also positively associated with Time 2 mean daily intakes of vegetables, calcium-rich food, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, folate, and vitamins A and B₆ among both genders.Conclusions and ImplicationsRegular family meals during early adolescence may contribute to the formation of healthful eating habits 5 years later. Parents should be made aware of the importance of shared mealtime experiences.     

Time 2 tlk 2nite: Use of Electronic Media by Adolescents during Family Meals and Associations with Demographic Characteristics,Family Characteristics,and Foods Served

We examined the frequency of adolescents' use of electronic media (ie, television/movie watching, text messaging, talking on the telephone, listening to music with headphones, and playing with hand-held games) at family meals and examined associations with demographic characteristics, rules about media use, family characteristics, and the types of foods served at meals using an observational, cross-sectional design. Data were drawn from two coordinated, population-based studies of adolescents (Project Eating Among Teens 2010) and their parents (Project Families and Eating Among Teens). Surveys were completed during 2009-2010. Frequent television/movie watching during family meals by youth was reported by 25.5% of parents. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated significantly higher odds of mealtime media use (P<0.05) for girls and older teens. In addition, higher odds of mealtime media use (P<0.05) were also seen among those whose parents had low education levels or were black or Asian; having parental rules about media use significantly reduced these odds. Frequent mealtime media use was significantly associated with lower scores on family communication (P<0.05) and scores indicating less importance placed on mealtimes (P<0.001). Furthermore, frequent mealtime media use was associated with lower odds of serving green salad, fruit, vegetables, 100% juice, and milk at meals, whereas higher odds were seen for serving sugar-sweetened beverages (P<0.05). The ubiquitous use of mealtime media by adolescents and differences by sex, race/ethnicity, age, and parental rules suggest that supporting parents in their efforts to initiate and follow-through on setting mealtime media use rules may be an important public health strategy.     

Variation in fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in Britain. An analysis from the dietary and nutritional survey of British adults

OBJECTIVES: Using a national representative sample to examine variation in fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in the UK, with particular reference to consumers with high and low reported intakes. DESIGN: National representative dietary survey using 7-d weighed diet records of men and women aged 16-64 y living in private households in the UK in 1986-1987. SETTING: The UK. SUBJECTS: 1087 men and 1110 women. The sample was selected by a multi-stage random probability design. The response was 70%. Subjects with low energy intake were subsequently excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food group, nutrient intake, physiological measures socio-economic, demographic and behavioural characteristics. RESULTS: Consumption of fruit and vegetables was estimated. The sample was divided by sex into four quarter groups according to fruit and vegetable consumption. There were significant similarities between quarter groups in fruit and vegetable and other food intake, nutrient intake, physiological measures, and socioeconomic, demographic and behavioural variable. The lowest consumers of fruit and vegetables had a mean intake of 738 g/week (men) and 630 g/week (women), equivalent to 1.3 and 1.1 portion/d, respectively. Conversely, the mean intake of both men women with the highest consumption was 3137 g/week (5.6 portions day). There were more than twice as many adults in the age group 16-24 located in Q1 than in Q4. The Manual social class and those in receipt of benefits were negatively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. Smokers were significantly associated with low fruit and vegetable intake. Being married was associated with increased fruit and vegetable intake and being single or divorced/separated was associated with low fruit and vegetable intake. Eating home grown produce was associated with high intake. Consumers who lived in London or the South-East were associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis draws attention to the wide variation in reported fruit and vegetable consumption among British adults. High consumers merit further investigation to elucidate practical strategies for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Strategies to increase consumption should be targeted at groups most likely to include low consumers of fruits and vegetables. SPONSORSHIP: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.     

Nutrition socialization experiences of children in the Head Start program

Some preschoolers may be at risk for overweight and obesity. To gain greater insight into children's early nutrition socialization experiences, the association of adult nutrition attitudes and mealtime behaviors to young children's eating behaviors and weight-for-height was investigated. Forty-six parent-child pairs and 8 Head Start teachers participated. Children were weighed and measured; parents completed measures of child eating behaviors, nutrition attitudes, and family mealtimes; teachers reported their own nutrition attitudes and were observed during mealtimes. Correlational findings indicated that parents' negative mealtime practices were associated with higher child weight-for-height and that parents' positive nutrition-attitudes were related to more pleasant family mealtimes, fewer negative mealtime practices, and less troublesome child eating behaviors. The Head Start mealtime environment was developmentally appropriate and predictable for children. Although teachers engaged in some nutrition teaching during meals, a number of opportunities were missed for promoting children's nutrition socialization. In sum, these results identified potential opportunities for improving children's early nutrition socialization experiences.     

Work-to-family spillover and fruit and vegetable consumption among construction laborers

PURPOSE: Spillover is the effect of one role on another as working adults attempt to integrate demands from work and family. We conducted a survey to understand how worker, job, and family characteristics were related to negative work-to-family spillover and how spillover was related to fruit and vegetable consumption to inform intervention design. DESIGN: A combined mail and telephone survey. SETTING: A national random sample in the United States. SUBJECTS: 1108 (44% response) unionized construction laborers. MEASURES: Personal characteristics, job factors, family factors, work-to-family spillover, and fruit and vegetable consumption. ANALYSIS: Multivariable logistic and least-squares regression. RESULTS: A range of 20% to 50% of respondents reported negative work-to-family spillover, agreeing that work demands, time, fatigue, and stress interfered with family meals or food choices. Higher spillover was associated with job factors, being of white race/ethnicity, and having children at home. Lower fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with higher work-to-family spillover (p = .002), being of white race or ethnicity (p < .0001), and working the graveyard or day shift (p = .02). CONCLUSION: Negative experience of work-to-family spillover may link employment to fruit and vegetable consumption and thus to worker health. Understanding the contribution of spillover to fruit and vegetable consumption aids understanding of how work experience affects health.