Psychosocial predictors of increases in fruit and vegetable consumption

OBJECTIVES: To examine psychosocial predictors of changes in fruit and vegetable consumption. METHODS: Baseline psychosocial variables were used to explain differences in changes in consumption in 83 healthy women with children after they received free fruit and vegetables for one month. RESULTS: One-month changes in fruit consumption (mean 144; SE 16 g/day) were positively associated with perceived costs and perceived health benefits for the children, and negatively associated with perceived behavioral control. Changes in vegetable consumption (68 (11) g/day) were positively related with the intention to eat at least 200 g of vegetables and taste preferences of the children. CONCLUSIONS: Fruit and vegetable consumption may be encouraged by influencing the above variables.     

Factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among adults

Background: The higher consumption of fruit and vegetables is considered to be an indicator of healthy eating and the protective effects of fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption for noncommunicable diseases have been investigated extensively. The present study aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), health behaviours and socio‐demographic factors among adult Canadians. Methods: This analysis was based on the information from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 3.1. Daily intake of fruit and vegetables from a total number of 15 512 apparently healthy individuals, aged 18–64 years, were assessed using a structured questionnaire, which included 20 questions on the frequency of consumption of different types of fruit and vegetables. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between FVI and some socio‐economic factors and lifestyle behaviour among adult Canadians. Results: In total 77% of Canadian adults consumed fruit and vegetables less than five times per day. Females were more likely to consume more fruit [odds ratio (OR) 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75–2.4], vegetables (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.65–2.29) and FV (OR 2.52; 95% CI 2.20–2.90) than males. Single/never married individuals, individuals with higher levels of education, never smokers, former drinkers and older people reported more consumption of fruit and vegetables than others. Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study indicate an association between FVI and some socio‐economic and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and that a substantial gap exists between the recommended level and the actual intake of the FV among the Canadian population. Because a higher intake of FV improves public health, it is imperative to tailor nutrition education at the individual and community levels in Canadian populations.     

Psychosocial correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption among African American men

OBJECTIVE: To determine the best predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption among African American men age 35 years and older. DESIGN: Data (n = 291) from a 2001 nationally representative mail survey commissioned by the American Cancer Society. PARTICIPANTS: 291 African American men age 35 years and older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dependent variables: (1) total fruits and vegetables without fried potatoes, (2) total fruit with juice, and (3) total vegetables without fried potatoes. Independent variables included 3 blocks of predictors: (1) demographics, (2) a set of psychosocial scales, and (3) intent to change variables based on a theoretical algorithm. ANALYSIS: Linear regression models; analysis of variance for the intent to change group. Alpha = .05. RESULTS: Regression model for total fruits and vegetables, significant psychosocial predictors: social norms, benefits, tangible rewards, and barriers-other. Total fruit with juice: social norms, benefits, tangible rewards. Total vegetables, no fried potatoes: tangible rewards, barriers-other interests. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: For African American men, fruit consumption appears to be motivated by perceived benefits and standards set by important people in their lives; vegetable consumption is a function of extrinsic rewards and preferences for high-calorie, fatty foods. The results suggest that communications to increase fruit and vegetable consumption should be crafted to reflect differences in sources of motivation for eating fruits versus eating vegetables.     

Psychosocial predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption among elementary school children

A self-efficacy questionnaire for fruit and vegetable (F&V)consumption among fourth and fifth grade students was developed,pilot tested with 140 students from one school and field testedwith 252 students from two schools. The questionnaire included34 items generated by inventorying behaviors targeted for changein the F&V school curriculum. The four subscales derivedfrom principal components analysis were labeled ‘after-schoolF&V snacks’; ‘breakfast and lunch F&V, andpaying for F&V'; ‘independent shopping for F&V';and ‘assisted shopping for F&V'; they accounted for43.8% of the total variance. Subscale test-re-test reliabilitiesand internal consistencies were acceptable. Criterion validitiesagainst F&V consumption from food records were low. Relationshipswere stronger with preferences and outcome expectations. Resultsfrom stepwise regression analyses indicated that preferenceswere the only significant predictors of fruit and total F&Vconsumption, as well as the main predictor of vegetable consumption;however, the models accounted for less than 13% of the variance.Nutrition education programs which target preferences may bemore effective in increasing F&V consumption among elementaryschool children than programs which target self-efficacy andoutcome expectations. However, since preferences accounted foronly small proportions of the variances, further research shouldconsider other issues such as availability.     

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情管控期间儿童果蔬消费状况及影响因素

目的了解新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情管控期间儿童的果蔬消费情况及其影响因素,为保证儿童正常生长发育提供依据。方法 2020年2月,采用"问卷星"网络问卷的形式向涵盖湖北、北京、山东、河北、甘肃等22个省、市、自治区2～15岁儿童家长334名展开调研,调查学生疫情期间果蔬消费情况,采用Logistic回归模型进行多因素分析。结果有26.4%和45.2%的被调查儿童蔬菜、水果消费量发生变化。Logistic回归分析结果表明,购买不方便(OR=6.52)与儿童蔬菜消费量减少有关,年龄2～5岁(OR=0.28)、家长主动了解膳食相关知识(OR=0.33)、轻度疫情风险(OR=4.35)与儿童蔬菜消费量增加有关(P值均<0.05);家庭人均月收入(OR=6.27～8.39)、购买不方便(OR=2.93)、疫情风险程度(OR=0.21～0.26)与儿童水果消费量减少有关,性别(OR=2.20)、家庭人均月收入2 000元以下(OR=6.94)、轻度疫情风险(OR=0.35)与儿童水果消费量增加有关(P值均<0.05)。结论新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情管控期间食物购买不便对儿童果蔬消费造成了较大影响,低...     

Use of oral contraceptives in relation to dietary habits and alcohol consumption

The relationship between oral contraceptive (OC) use, dietary habits and alcohol consumption in young women was studied in Troms?, Norway. A total of 5,800 women aged 20-39 years answered a questionnaire in 1986/1987. Women with long-term duration of OC use reported more frequent intake of meat for dinner, preferred low-fat milk and drank less coffee. For other food items such as intake of fats, fish, fruit and vegetables, no differences were found. Strong associations were found for alcohol consumption, with increasing frequency of use among long-term users of OCs. These results are discussed in relation to the possible association between OC use and breast cancer in young women.     

Psychosocial factors associated with non-smoking adolescents' intentions to smoke

Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Most adult smokers began smoking during adolescence, making youth tobacco prevention an especially important public health goal. Guided by an extension of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study examined the role of psychosocial factors in accounting for adolescents' smoking intentions. Participants from three high schools (n = 785) were surveyed to assess smoking-related characteristics and behaviors as part of a statewide evaluation of tobacco prevention programming. Attitudes, subjective norms (and other normative factors) and perceived behavioral control were all associated with non-smokers' intentions to smoke. Having more favorable attitudes toward remaining tobacco free and perceiving that friends would not be supportive of smoking were both associated with decreased likelihood of intending to smoke. Normative influence and peer use were significant factors, such that having more friends who smoke was associated with increased odds of intent to smoke. Lastly, perceived difficulty to quit was related to smoking intentions, with higher confidence to quit significantly associated with intentions to smoke. Findings are consistent with the TPB--attitudes, normative factors and perceived behavioral control each helped account for non-smoking adolescents' intentions to smoke. Implications for theory and intervention building are discussed.     

Income and race/ethnicity influence dietary fiber intake and vegetable consumption

Grains, fruits, and vegetables are the primary sources of dietary fiber (DF), with the white potato contributing nearly 7% of the DF to the US food supply. The DF composition of the white potato—with or without the skin and regardless of cooking method—compares well with the DF content of other vegetables. Many health benefits, including improved gastrointestinal health, are attributed to greater DF consumption; however, less than 3% of males and females have an adequate intake of DF. Because of this population-wide shortfall, DF is considered to be a nutrient of concern. In this study, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009 to 2010, we examined the mean intake of DF across sex, age, race/ethnicity, family income, and poverty threshold. This study shows that mean intake of DF is far below recommendations, with children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years consuming an average of less than 14 g of DF per day. Adults 20+ years old consume, on average, about 17 g of DF per day, and men consume significantly more DF than women. Non-Hispanic black adults consume significantly less DF compared with other race/ethnic groups. Lower family income and living at less than 131% of poverty were associated with lower DF intakes among adults. Federal and local government policies should encourage consumption of all vegetables, including the white potato, as an important source of DF.     

Smoking habits and associated factors among Greek physicians

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the smoking habits and associated risk factors among Greek physicians. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of a randomly selected sample of Greek physicians. METHODS: A national sample of 1284 physicians (718 men, 566 women) participated in the study, which was conducted between September 2003 and June 2005. Data were collected through an anonymous self-completed questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to analyse the influence of different factors on the probability of a physician being a current or former smoker. RESULTS: Overall, 38.6% of the physicians (40% of men; 37% of women) currently smoked, 13.8% were former smokers, and 47.6% had never smoked. Eighty-three per cent of smokers reported starting smoking before the age of 25 years, with half of them during medical school (aged 19-24 years). Multivariate analyses revealed that physicians who were male, unmarried, divorced or widowed, surgeons or anaesthetists, and residents were more likely to be current smokers. Former smokers were more likely to be older, male and born in a rural area. Moreover, the odds of being a current or former smoker were significantly higher among physicians with a history of parents who smoked. The proportion of physicians who reported counselling patients (often or always) to stop smoking was lower among current smokers compared with those who never smoked or those who were former smokers (74.4% vs. 85.3% vs. 84.7%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of smoking among Greek physicians is exceedingly high and similar to that of the general population. More effective interventions that reduce smoking in the medical community should be implemented immediately so that physicians will be better able to fulfil their function as role models for the general population.     

Nutrition-related habits and associated factors of Brazilian adolescents

Objectives  

To investigate the nutrition-related habits (NRH) of Brazilian adolescents and evaluate the associations with risk factors.     

A community study of alcohol consumption and dietary habits in middle-aged Italian women

This population-based study examines whether dietary intake in middle-aged Italian women is influenced by alcohol drinking habits. The 499 participants were interviewed using a dietary history questionnaire designed to investigate alcohol consumption. Mean intake of total and non-alcohol energy increased progressively within categories of increasing alcohol consumption (less than 5, 5-19, 20-39, 40+ g/day). Mean body weight and Quetelet index (kg/m2), however, decreased with increasing alcohol consumption. Once the disparities in energy intake were reduced by computing intake densities, the data suggest that moderate and heavy drinkers have dietary habits similar to those of abstainers or light drinkers. These findings were confirmed by multiple linear regression analyses in which the confounding effects of age, place of residence, occupation, and Quetelet index were taken into account. Increasing alcohol consumption appeared associated only with a modest decrease in the intake of fibre, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. These findings do not support the hypothesis that the observed protection from coronary artery disease among moderate drinkers is related to a chronic reduction in the intake of carbohydrates and fat, at least in middle-aged women.     

Personality and dietary habits

BACKGROUND: The personality of healthy individuals has not been well studied in relation to health consciousness, dietary habits and actual food intake, simultaneously. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to study the association between personality and dietary habits. DESIGN: Information on dietary habits, including taste preferences and the frequency of food consumption, was collected through a questionnaire from 76 male and 394 female students. The personality of students was determined by a modified NEO-FFI test. Health status, height, body weight, body fat percentage and blood pressure were measured by physical examination. Main outcome measures were personality scores as indicators of a healthy dietary pattern. RESULTS: Food intake was influenced by neuroticism (N), extraversion (E), openness (O) and agreeableness (A) of personality. Taste preferences and receptivity to dietary advice were also influenced by personality: the odds ratios (ORs) between the high and low tertiary points of the NEO-FFI scores for salty and sweet taste preferences were significantly higher in the group that scored high for neuroticism (N) (salty taste preference: OR = 2.25, NS in males and OR = 2.39, 95%CI = 1.16-4.93 in females; sweet taste preference: OR = 21.00, 95%CI = 2.40-183.99 in males and OR = 3.33, 95%CI = 1.61-6.91 in females). On the other hand, the groups with high scorer for O and A did not like salty tastes. The groups with high scores for A and C were receptive to dietary advice. High scores of each N, E, O, A, and C factor were characterized by distinguishable, dietary habits and lifestyle. For nutritional or health education, group classes are sufficient for high A and O. High C scorer displayed discrepancies between health consciousness and dietary habits, so intervention or a close follow-up by medical professionals would be necessary to improve the health of individuals in this group. High E scorer possessed a confident attitude towards their health, but they were not interested in developing healthy habits. High N scorer was adverse to receiving health information and learning healthy dietary habits. CONCLUSION: Personality determined by NEO-FFI test was related to dietary habits and health attitude. Effective health education methods must take the personality of the targeted individuals into consideration.     

Association of awareness, intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, and stage of dietary change with fruit and vegetable consumption: a national survey.

PURPOSE: To examine associations of awareness, intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, and stage of change with consumption of fruits and vegetables. DESIGN: Nationally representative, random digit dial survey conducted in 1997 with a response rate of 44.5%. Psychosocial correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption were assessed using regression analyses. SETTING: United States. SUBJECTS: A total of 2605 adults who were 18 years and older. MEASURES: Awareness of the "5 A Day for Better Health" program and its message, along with stage of change; taste preferences; self-efficacy; and perceived benefits, barriers, threats, social support, and norms related to fruit and vegetable consumption. RESULTS: Awareness and intrapersonal and interpersonal factors explained 24% of the variance in fruit and vegetable consumption beyond the 9% explained by demographic characteristics. Knowledge of the 5 A Day message was associated with a 22% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. Self-efficacy for eating fruits and vegetables and taste preferences (affect) were the factors most consistently and strongly associated with both higher consumption and higher likelihood of being in action or maintenance stages of change. Affect and perceived barriers were more strongly associated with increased vegetables and salad than fruit. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary intervention programs to increase fruit and vegetable consumption should emphasize the 5 A Day message, increased self-efficacy, and ways to make vegetables more palatable and easily accessible. Understanding the factors that influence dietary choices should be used when designing dietary interventions.     

Psychosocial factors associated with binge eating among overweight and obese male veterans

The study's primary objective is to compare psychosocial characteristics of overweight/obese male Veterans who report binge eating with those who do not report binge eating. Participants include 111 overweight/obese male Veterans who completed questionnaires assessing binge eating, depression, stress, body image, self-efficacy for healthy eating and physical activity, and barriers to physical activity. Of the study sample, 25.2% are classified as binge eaters. Binge eating status is not significantly associated with age, race/ethnicity, weight, or BMI. Binge eating is associated with higher scores on measures of depression, barriers to exercise, self-classified weight, and lower self-efficacy for both healthy eating and exercise, but is not associated with body satisfaction or recent stress. Findings suggest that a sizable minority of overweight/obese male Veterans engage in binge eating. Depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers all significantly predicted binge eating. These findings have implications both for identification of overweight/obese men at risk for binge eating disorder as well as for weight loss treatment in the Veteran population.     

Psychosocial correlates of fruit, vegetable, and dietary fat intake among adolescent boys and girls

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether hypothesized psychosocial correlates of behavior change (family/peer influence, pros, cons, self-efficacy, parent/child change strategies, and household eating rules) are associated with consumption of fruits, vegetables, and dietary fat among adolescent boys and girls. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used questionnaires to assess psychosocial variables and multiple 24-hour recall interviews to assess dietary intake (daily servings of fruits and vegetables and percentage energy intake from dietary fat). SUBJECTS: In this study, 878 adolescents (53.6% female, 57.9% white, mean age 12.8 years, age range 11 to 15 years) completed questionnaires. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Hierarchical linear regressions were conducted on the entire sample as well as on subgroups based on sex and age (young/old). RESULTS: Results indicated that child behavior change strategies, decisional balance, and household rules were related to percentage energy intake from total fat, whereas child behavior change strategies, family influence, and household rules were related to daily servings of fruit and vegetables. More psychosocial correlates were found for older than for younger adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Both psychological and social correlates of adolescent eating behaviors were identified, and correlates differed somewhat by adolescent subgroup. Based on these findings, promising intervention strategies that include the following should be evaluated: helping adolescents alter decisional balance, teaching behavior-change strategies, and helping parents support children's dietary changes and institute supportive household rules.