Psychosocial factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• The 5 A Day Baseline Survey was conducted in August 1991, preceding the 5 A Day for Better Health Program.
• Data collection focused on adult knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward fruit and vegetable consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between psychosocial factors and fruit and vegetable intake among American adults.
• To identify key determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption.

Main Methods:

• A telephone survey of 2811 adults (aged 18+) in the coterminous United States was conducted.
• Fruit and vegetable intake was measured by self-reported frequency.
• Psychosocial variables were primarily assessed using Likert scales.

Main Results:

• Only 8% of American adults believed that five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables were necessary for good health.
• Key predictors of fruit and vegetable intake included perceived necessary servings, taste preference, and childhood eating habits.
• These psychosocial factors explained 15% more variation in consumption than demographic variables alone.

Conclusions:

• Nutrition education should emphasize the recommendation of five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, as awareness is low but strongly linked to intake.
• Strategies to enhance the palatability of fruits and vegetables, particularly for children, are recommended to promote consumption.