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Predicting adolescents' intake of fruits and vegetables
Leslie A Lytle1, Sherri Varnell, David M Murray
1Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. lytle@epi.umn.edu
Objective:
To explore potential predictors of adolescents' fruit and vegetable intake by expanding on current theory and drawing from other adolescent research.
Design:
This research reports on baseline and interim data from a school-based intervention study. Data were collected through surveys administered to students at the beginning and end of their 7th grade year.
Setting:
The students attended 16 public schools in Minnesota.
Participants:
Data were collected on 3878 students; approximately half were female and 67% were white. All students in the 7th grade cohort were invited to participate in the surveys and over 94% completed both surveys.
Variables Measured:
Our dependent variable, fruit and vegetable intake, was assessed by a validated fruit and vegetable food frequency scale. Predictive factors assessed included parenting style, spirituality/religiosity, depressive symptoms, and other commonly assessed predictors.
Analysis:
Generalized linear mixed model regression. Omnibus test of association using P <.05 is reported.
Results:
Subjective norms, barriers, knowledge, usual food choice, parenting style, spirituality/religiosity, and depressive symptoms were statistically significant predictors of intake. The model explained about 31% of the variance in fruit and vegetable consumption.
Conclusions And Implications:
To better understand adolescents' fruit and vegetable intake, we must explore novel predictors. Our results need to be replicated, and more exploratory research in this field is needed.