Stages of change for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among adults and young adults participating in the National 5-a-Day for Better Healthcommunity studies
Mk. Campbell et al., Stages of change for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption among adults and young adults participating in the National 5-a-Day for Better Healthcommunity studies, HEAL EDUC B, 26(4), 1999, pp. 513-534
Higher fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk of
certain cancers and chronic diseases. The 5-a-Day for Better Health commun
ity studies are evaluating population-based strategies to achieving dietary
behavior change using the stages-of-change model and associated theories.
The authors present baseline comparisons of stages of change for fruit and
vegetable consumption among adults and young adults in eight study sites re
presenting diverse regions of the United States and diverse populations and
settings. Three dominant stages, precontemplation, preparation, and mainte
nance, were found across shes. Women and those with college degrees were mo
re likely to be in action/maintenance. Fruit and vegetable consumption, sel
f-efficacy, and knowledge of the 5-a-Day recommendation were positively ass
ociated with more advanced stages of change in all study sites. The authors
discuss the findings in relation to possible limitations of this and other
dietary stages-of-change measures and suggest directions for future resear
ch.