Associations of self-efficacy, social support, and knowledge with fruit and vegetable consumption in Japanese workers

Previous studies have suggested that self-efficacy, social support, and knowledge are primary psychosocial predictors of dietary behavior in adults. The present study aimed to investigate the associations of self-efficacy, social support, and knowledge with fruit and vegetable consumption in Japanese workers.

From September to November 2014, a self-administered questionnaire was completed by Japanese workers at 8 workplaces in Niigata, Japan. Self-efficacy and social support for fruit and vegetable consumption were measured using a 3-item Likert scale across particular situations. Knowledge was measured using a single item about the recommended guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption in Japan. Fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed using a validated, brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire.

Of the 457 respondents, 395 participants' data were analyzed. Scores in self-efficacy and social support showed a significant and positive association with fruit (p<0.001, p=0.002) and vegetable consumption (p=0.001, p=0.015). Knowledge was significantly and positively associated with vegetable consumption (p=0.015) but did not statistically differ in fruit consumption (p=0.645).

The findings of this study suggest that selfefficacy and social support are positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption in Japanese workers.