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Title: INFLUENCES ON FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTI0N IN LOW-INCOME BLACK AMERICAN ADOLESCENTS

Author
item MOLAISON, ELAINE - DELTA NIRI
item CONNELL, CAROL - DELTA NIRI
item STUFF, JANICE - DELTA NIRI
item YADRICK, M - DELTA NIRI
item Bogle, Margaret

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/3/2005
Publication Date: 7/15/2005
Citation: Molaison, E.F., Connell, C.L., Stuff, J.E., Yadrick, M.K., Bogle, M.L. 2005. Influences on fruit and vegetable consumption in low-income black american adolescents. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 37(5):246-251.

Interpretive Summary: At the national level 20% or less of children and adolescents eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables (FV) per day. This rate is even higher among children and adolescents from low socioeconomic backgrounds or minority ethnic groups. A qualitative study was conducted to identify environmental, personal, and behavioral factors influencing FV consumption among low-income African American youth in the Lower Mississippi Delta. Forty-two adolescents (21 males, 21 females; 10-13 years) enrolled in the National Youth Sports Program during the summer of 2000 were matched by gender and age to form six focus group sessions. Focus group questions were developed to: (1) Assess influences on FV consumption; (2) Determine factors that might motivate adolescents to consume FV; and (3) Identify places outside the home where FV were eaten. Three reviewers evaluated the responses of the youth and identified themes in each focus group session. The major themes on FV consumption were: 1) Taste; 2) Location where eaten outside the home; 3) Health outcomes; 4) Need for gender-specific behavioral skills; and 5) Issues where parental and caretaker influences would be effective. Taste and lack of fruit and vegetable availability in the home emerged as major limiting influences on FV consumption. Taste preference was a more negative influence on consumption of vegetables than fruits. This information is important in efforts to improve the rate of fruit and vegetable consumption in low-income and African American youths.

Technical Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify personal, behavioral, and environmental factors influencing fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption among 10-13 year old low-income African American youth. Social cognitive theory (SCT) along with other theoretical constructs guided focus group questions and analysis. Design: A qualitative study utilizing focus group methodology Setting: Enrichment program of a sports summer camp for low-income youth. Participants: Forty-two adolescents (n=21 female, 21 male) participated in six focus groups. Main Outcome Measures: Personal, behavioral, and environmental influences on FV consumption. Analysis: Modified content analysis methods were used by three independent reviewers to identify themes within the focus group transcripts. One reviewer summarized all of the themes and provided a summary of the information. Themes were then categorized into the three domains of social cognitive theory. Results: Major themes were taste, location where eaten outside the home, health outcomes, the need for gender-specific behavioral skills, and issues where parental and caretaker influences would be effective. Conclusions and Implications: This formative research will aid in development of a culturally relevant nutrition intervention for low-income African American adolescents.