Understanding How Environment Affects Fruit and Vegetable Intake
Author Information
Author(s): Boyington Josephine E. A., Schoster Britta, Shreffler Jack, Remmes Martin Kathryn, Callahan Leigh F.
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
How do individual and community environmental factors influence fruit and vegetable intake?
Conclusion
Perceptions about fruit and vegetable intake are influenced by both individual and community environmental factors.
Supporting Evidence
- 77% of adults in North Carolina do not consume the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables.
- Participants reported various barriers to fruit and vegetable intake, including economic status and food availability.
- Chronic disease status was perceived as both a barrier and a facilitator for fruit and vegetable consumption.
Takeaway
People's eating habits are affected by their surroundings, like what food is available and how easy it is to get it.
Methodology
The study used a telephone survey followed by focus groups and individual interviews to gather data on perceptions of fruit and vegetable intake.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce bias in the accuracy of dietary intake assessments.
Limitations
The study's formative assessment had a small sample size, and dietary intake data were self-reported, limiting the ability to verify correlations and causality.
Participant Demographics
The sample was predominantly female, non-Hispanic white, with a mean age of 52.8 years and a mean BMI of 29.4.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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