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Title: ARE PRECONTEMPLATORS LESS LIKELY TO CHANGE THEIR DIETARY BEHAVIOR? A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS.

Author
item RESNICOW, KEN - UNI OF MICHIGAN-ANN ARBOR
item MCCARTY, FRANCES - EMORY UNIVERSITY
item Baranowski, Thomas

Submitted to: Health Education Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2002
Publication Date: 12/1/2003
Citation: Resnicow, K., McCarty, F., Baranowski, T. 2003. Are precontemplators less likely to change their dietary behavior? A prospective analysis. Health Education Research. 18(6):693-705.

Interpretive Summary: A sample of African-American adults participated in the Eat for Life Trial, a study to increase fruit and vegetable (F & V) intake conducted through Black churches. Individuals initially classified as precontemplators (individual not considering change in his/her behavior) reported an increase in F & V intake as large as those in the preparation (individual considering change in the near future or already begun change in his/her behavior) stage and precontemplators' post-test intake was equivalent to those in preparation. At least with regard to F & V, these findings raise questions regarding the validity of stage of change, one element of the Transtheoretical Model (which is used to map the behavior change process), as a predictor of future behavior and intervention response.

Technical Abstract: The association between baseline stage of change and intervention outcomes is examined in a sample of African-American adults who participated in the Eat for Life Trial, a study to increase fruit and vegetable (F & V) intake conducted through Black churches. We explore whether precontemplators responded differently over time than those in the preparation stage, a group assumed to be more likely to change their behavior. Stage of change, F & V intake (by food-frequency questionnaires) and psychosocial variables were assessed at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Individuals initially classified as precontemplators reported an increase in F & V intake as large as those in the preparation stage and precontemplators' post-test intake was equivalent to those in preparation. Precontemplators' change in psychosocial outcomes was also as large or larger than those in the preparation stage. At least with regard to F & V, these findings raise questions regarding the validity of stage of change, one element of the Transtheoretical Model, as a predictor of future behavior and intervention response.