Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Screening for Phytoestrogens using a Cell-based Estrogen Receptor β Reporter Assay
Published on: June 7, 2020
Youth proxy efficacy for fruit and vegetable availability varies by gender and socio-economic status
Karly S Geller1, David A Dzewaltowski
1Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.
Objective:
The current study examined proxy efficacy, which was defined as youth's confidence to influence their parents to provide fruits and vegetables. The overall objective was to examine change in middle-school youth's proxy efficacy over time, and to determine if changes were moderated by gender and socio-economic status.
Design:
Longitudinal cohort nested within schools.
Setting:
Eight middle schools located in urban, suburban and rural areas of a mid-western US state.
Subjects:
Seven hundred and twelve youth followed across their 6th, 7th and 8th grade years. The sample was 51.8 % female, 30.5 % low socio-economic status and 89.5 % Caucasian, non-Hispanic.
Results:
Males and lower socio-economic status youth were significantly lower in proxy efficacy at each assessment year compared with females and high socio-economic youth, respectively.
Conclusions:
Proxy efficacy to influence parents to provide fruits and vegetables may be an important construct to target in future interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Bias in Epidemiological Studies

