scholarly journals Socio-economic inequalities in women's fruit and vegetable intakes: a multilevel study of individual, social and environmental mediators

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 623-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kylie Ball ◽  
David Crawford ◽  
Gita Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Purchasing

AbstractObjectiveThis study employed a multilevel design to test the contribution of individual, social and environmental factors to mediating socio-economic status (SES) inequalities in fruit and vegetable consumption among women.DesignA cross-sectional survey was linked with objective environmental data.SettingA community sample involving 45 neighbourhoods.SubjectsIn total, 1347 women from 45 neighbourhoods provided survey data on their SES (highest education level), nutrition knowledge, health considerations related to food purchasing, and social support for healthy eating. These data were linked with objective environmental data on the density of supermarkets and fruit and vegetable outlets in local neighbourhoods.ResultsMultilevel modelling showed that individual and social factors partly mediated, but did not completely explain, SES variations in fruit and vegetable consumption. Store density did not mediate the relationship of SES with fruit or vegetable consumption.ConclusionsNutrition promotion interventions should focus on enhancing nutrition knowledge and health considerations underlying food purchasing in order to promote healthy eating, particularly among those who are socio-economically disadvantaged. Further investigation is required to identify additional potential mediators of SES–diet relationships, particularly at the environmental level.

scholarly journals Are there socio-demographic differences in salt behaviours and fruit and vegetable consumption in Australian adults? A nationally representative cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emalie Rosewarne ◽  
Joseph Alvin Santos ◽  
Annet Hoek ◽  
Carley Grimes ◽  
Caryl Nowson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salt Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Demographic Differences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Background Diets low in fruit and vegetables and high in salt are among the top dietary risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In a nationally representative sample of Australians, this study aimed to describe self-reported intake of fruit and vegetables, and knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to salt intake, and determine if there were socio-demographic differences between population subgroups. Methods A 2016 cross-sectional survey of Australian adults aged 18 years and over, which comprised 160 questions, including socio-demographic, core health and research-related questions. Descriptive statistics (mean, 95% confidence interval, %) were calculated. Weighted-adjusted logistic regression models were used to determine if there were socio-demographic differences in salt behaviours and fruit and vegetable consumption. Results A total of 1217 participants completed the survey (51% female). Less than 8% of participants reported consuming the recommended 2 or more serves of fruit and 5 or more serves of vegetables. Almost 60% of participants frequently added salt during cooking/meal preparation and 42% of respondents frequently placed a salt-shaker on the table at mealtimes. There were no patterns between socio-demographic differences and measures of fruit and vegetable consumption and salt behaviours. Differences in at least one measure were found for sex, age, location, education level and weight category. Conclusions There were no patterns between socio-demographic factors and salt behaviours and fruit and vegetable intake. Less than recommended intakes of fruit and vegetables and frequent discretionary salt use are placing Australians at risk of diet-related NCDs. Policy changes to improve the food environment complimented by a nationwide consumer awareness campaign targeting all socio-demographic groups will therefore be required to improve Australian’s diets.

A Pilot Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program Improves Local Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Nutrition Knowledge, and Food Purchasing Practices

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110181
Author(s):  
Nicholas Slagel ◽  
Taylor Newman ◽  
Laurel Sanville ◽  
Jennifer Jo Thompson ◽  
Jackie Dallas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Farmers Market ◽  
Food Purchasing

Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) programs rely on diverse community and clinic partnerships to improve food security and fruit and vegetable consumption among medically underserved patient populations. Despite the growth in these programs, little is known about the feasibility or effectiveness of the unique partnerships developed to implement FVRx programs conducted in both community and free safety-net clinic settings. A 6-month nonrandomized controlled trial of an FVRx program was pilot tested with 54 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)–eligible adults with diet-related chronic conditions. The intervention combined monthly produce prescriptions for local produce at a farmers market, SNAP-Ed direct nutrition education, and health screenings for low-income adults. Process and outcome evaluations were conducted with respective samples using administrative program data (recruitment, retention, and prescription redemption) and self-administered pre- and postintervention surveys with validated measures on dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and behavior, and food purchasing practices. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. The FVRx program retained 77.3% of participants who spent nearly 90% of their prescription dollars. After the intervention, the FVRx group reported significantly increased total intake of fruits and vegetables, knowledge of fresh fruit and vegetable preparation, purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables from a farmers market, and significantly altered food purchasing practices compared with the control group. Community-based nutrition education organizations enhance the feasibility and effectiveness of community and clinic-based FVRx programs for improving low-income adults’ ability to enhance food and nutrition-related behaviors.

scholarly journals Younger Adults Are More Likely to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Decrease Sugar Intake with the Application of Dietary Monitoring

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 333
Author(s):  
Louisa Ming Yan Chung ◽  
Shirley Siu Ming Fong ◽  
Queenie Pui Sze Law
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Sugar Intake ◽  
Dietary Monitoring ◽  
Experimental Group

Establishing healthy eating habits is considered to be a sustainable strategy for health maintenance, and mobile applications (apps) are expected to be highly effective among the young-aged population for healthy eating promotion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a dietary monitoring app on younger adults’ nutrition knowledge and their dietary habits. A controlled-experimental study was performed with one experimental group having a three-hour nutrition seminar and 12 weeks of dietary monitoring with the app, and one control group receiving a three-hour nutrition seminar. Behavioral feedback delivered by the app was evaluated in facilitating the transfer of nutritional knowledge to nutrition behavior. A total of 305 younger adults aged from 19 to 31 were recruited. Baseline and post-intervention nutrition knowledge and dietary behavior were collected. All mean scores of post-GNKQ-R increased from baseline for both the control and the experimental groups. The mean differences of sugar intake, dietary fiber intake, and vitamin C intake for the experimental group were significantly more than those for the control group (all p < 0.001). In addition, the experimental group increased fruit and vegetable consumption significantly more than the control group (all p < 0.001). For those younger adults with a relatively large body size, they were more likely to increase fruit consumption with the application of dietary monitoring.

scholarly journals Are there socio-demographic differences in salt behaviours and fruit and vegetable consumption in Australian adults? A nationally representative cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emalie Rosewarne ◽  
Joseph Alvin Santos ◽  
Annet Hoek ◽  
Carley Grimes ◽  
Caryl Nowson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Demographic Differences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors

Abstract Background Diets low in fruit and vegetables and high in salt are among the top dietary risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Using a nationally representative sample of Australians, this study aimed to describe self-reported intake of fruit and vegetables, and knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to salt intake, and determine if there were socio-demographic differences between population subgroups. Methods A 2016 cross-sectional survey of Australian adults aged 18 years and over, which comprised 160 questions, including socio-demographic and health-related questions. Descriptive statistics (mean, 95% confidence interval, %) were calculated. Weighted-adjusted logistic regression models were used to determine if there were socio-demographic differences in salt behaviours and fruit and vegetable consumption. Results A total of 1217 participants completed the survey (51% female). Less than 8% of participants reported consuming the recommended 2 or more serves of fruit and 5 or more serves of vegetables. Almost 60% of participants frequently added salt during cooking/meal preparation and 42% of respondents frequently placed a salt-shaker on the table at mealtimes. There were no consistent patterns between socio-demographic factors and measures of fruit and vegetable consumption and salt behaviours. Differences in at least one measure were found for sex, age, location, education level and weight category. Conclusions There were no consistent patterns between socio-demographic factors and salt behaviours and fruit and vegetable intake. Less than recommended intakes of fruit and vegetables and frequent discretionary salt use are placing Australians at risk of diet-related NCDs. Broad population-based policies and programs to improve fruit and vegetable intake and salt behaviours are needed to improve Australian’s diets.

scholarly journals Fruit and vegetable consumption in a sample of 11-year-old children in ten European countries – the PRO GREENS cross-sectional survey

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 2436-2444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christel Lynch ◽  
Asa Gudrun Kristjansdottir ◽  
Saskia J te Velde ◽  
Nanna Lien ◽  
Eva Roos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Fruit Intake ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pro Greens

AbstractObjectiveTo describe fruit and vegetable intake of 11-year-old children in ten European countries and compare it with current dietary guidelines.DesignCross-sectional survey. Intake was assessed using a previously validated questionnaire containing a pre-coded 24 h recall and an FFQ which were completed in the classroom. Portion sizes were calculated using a standardized protocol.SettingSurveys were performed in schools regionally selected in eight countries and nationally representative in two countries.SubjectsA total of 8158 children from 236 schools across Europe participating in the PRO GREENS project.ResultsThe total mean consumption of fruit and vegetables was between 220 and 345 g/d in the ten participating countries. Mean intakes did not reach the WHO population goal of ≥400 g/d in any of the participating countries. Girls had a significantly higher intake of total fruit and vegetables than boys in five of the countries (Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Bulgaria and Slovenia). Mean total fruit intake ranged between 114 and 240 g/d and vegetable intake between 73 and 141 g/d. When using the level ≥400 g/d as a cut-off, only 23·5 % (13·8–37·0 %) of the studied children, depending on country and gender, met the WHO recommendation (fruit juice excluded).ConclusionsFruit and vegetable consumption was below recommended levels among the schoolchildren in all countries and vegetable intake was lower than fruit intake. The survey shows that there is a need for promotional activities to improve fruit and vegetable consumption in this age group.

scholarly journals A non-invasive assessment of skin carotenoid status through reflection spectroscopy is a feasible, reliable and potentially valid measure of fruit and vegetable consumption in a diverse community sample

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 1664-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Bell Jilcott Pitts ◽  
Lisa Jahns ◽  
Qiang Wu ◽  
Nancy E Moran ◽  
Ronny A Bell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Reflection Spectroscopy ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern North Carolina

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the feasibility, reliability and validity of reflection spectroscopy (RS) to assess skin carotenoids in a racially diverse sample.DesignStudy 1 was a cross-sectional study of corner store customers (n 479) who completed the National Cancer Institute Fruit and Vegetable Screener as well as RS measures. Feasibility was assessed by examining the time it took to complete three RS measures, reliability was assessed by examining the variation between three RS measures, and validity was examined by correlation with self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption. In Study 2, validity was assessed in a smaller sample (n 30) by examining associations between RS measures and dietary carotenoids, fruits and vegetables as calculated from a validated FFQ and plasma carotenoids.SettingEastern North Carolina, USA.ResultsIt took on average 94·0 s to complete three RS readings per person. The average variation between three readings for each participant was 6·8 %. In Study 2, in models adjusted for age, race and sex, there were statistically significant associations between RS measures and (i) FFQ-estimated carotenoid intake (P<0·0001); (ii) FFQ-estimated fruit and vegetable consumption (P<0·010); and (iii) plasma carotenoids (P<0·0001).ConclusionsRS is a potentially improved method to approximate fruit and vegetable consumption among diverse participants. RS is portable and easy to use in field-based public health nutrition settings. More research is needed to investigate validity and sensitivity in diverse populations.

scholarly journals Healthy eating: a matter of prioritisation by households or policymakers?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Joreintje Dingena Mackenbach
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food System ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Decision Making Processes

Abstract I reflect upon the potential reasons why American low-income households do not spend an optimal proportion of their food budgets on fruits and vegetables, even though this would allow them to meet the recommended levels of fruit and vegetable consumption. Other priorities than health, automatic decision-making processes and access to healthy foods play a role, but solutions for the persistent socio-economic inequalities in diet should be sought in the wider food system which promotes cheap, mass-produced foods. I argue that, ultimately, healthy eating is not a matter of prioritisation by individual households but by policymakers.

Are parents eating their greens? Fruit and vegetable consumption during a school intervention

2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Aschemann-Witzel ◽  
Tino Bech-Larsen ◽  
Alice Grønhøj
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
School Intervention ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
School Based

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to study the extent of change in parents' fruit and vegetable consumption during a period when their children participate in a school-based healthy eating intervention. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 256 12-year-old Danish schoolchildren took part in a text-message feedback intervention promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. One parent of each child filled out self-administered questionnaires at three points during the 40-week study period. In the questionnaire, stated consumption, perceived influence factors on their consumption and self-efficacy and self-regulation were measured. Findings – Only half of the parents stated that they met the “five a day” target. These parents reported good availability of fruit and vegetables in their household, high consumption among their friends and frequent exercise and they were characterised by high self-efficacy levels. Stated consumption increased during the period of the intervention targeted at their children. Parents that reported an increase had, at the start of the intervention, reported low levels of consumption, lack of encouragement to eat healthy at their workplace and lower autonomous self-regulation. Research limitations/implications – The consumption data is limited to self-report. Practical implications – The results indicate that parents can be influenced indirectly by school-based interventions targeted at their children. Future interventions should include the family with the intent to support positive interaction that might further promote and sustain healthy eating habits. Originality/value – The study considers the possible effects school interventions targeting children may have on the immediate family, an aspect generally overlooked in school-based health initiatives.

scholarly journals Demographic, familial and trait predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption by pre-school children

2004 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
L J Cooke ◽  
J Wardle ◽  
EL Gibson ◽  
M Sapochnik ◽  
A Sheiham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Fruit Consumption ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Neophobia ◽  
Early Introduction

AbstractObjective:To examine the contribution to fruit and vegetable eating in children of potential predictive variables within the domains of demographics, parental feeding practices and personality traits.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Setting:Questionnaires were distributed to parents through 22 London nursery schools.Subjects:Questionnaires were completed and returned by 564 parents or principal caregivers of 2–6-year-old children.Results:Significant predictors of children's fruit and vegetable intake emerged from all three domains examined. Demographic variables associated with child's vegetable consumption were mother's education and child's age and gender. Only ethnicity was significantly associated with fruit consumption. Parental consumption, breast-feeding and early introduction to fruit and vegetables were related to intake of both. Family mealtimes were associated with higher intake of vegetables, but not of fruit. Two characteristics of children themselves (food neophobia and enjoyment of food) were strongly related to the consumption of fruit and vegetables. Subsequent multivariate analyses revealed that parental intake and child food neophobia independently predicted intake of both foods. In the presence of these, fruit consumption was affected by breast-feeding and early introduction to fruit, whereas vegetable consumption was related only to child's gender and enjoyment of food.Conclusions:These findings may be used to inform future interventions aimed at increasing children's consumption of fruit and vegetables. Parents should be made aware of the possible impact of their own behaviour on the eating habits of their children.

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