Validation of a tool to measure processes of change for fruit and vegetable consumption among male college students

Abstract

Objective: To develop a valid tool to measure processes of change for fruit and vegetable consumption, and examine the relationship between stage and processes of change among several cultural groups.

Design: Cross-sectional, using a self-report questionnaire.

Setting: Convenience sample of male college students living in apartments.

Participants: 105 US white, 53 international Latino, and 92 international Asian males.

Main outcome measures: Fruit and vegetable intake, stage and processes of change characterizations.

Analysis: Analysis of covariance, with age as a covariate, was used to determine differences in processes of change scores among 3 cultural groups and stages of change. Two-way analysis of variance investigated relationships between stage of change and fruit and vegetable consumption. The pattern of differences across cultural groups was examined using chi-squared analysis.

Results: Self-reported fruit and vegetable intake was higher (P < .01) in action and maintenance than in other stages. Participants in precontemplation/contemplation used significantly less of any process of change than those in preparation or action/maintenance. There were no significant interactions between stage of change and culture for any of the processes of change, but international Asians used significantly more dramatic relief and environmental reevaluation than did US whites and more stimulus control processes than US whites or international Latinos. At all stages, students used significantly more cognitive/experiential processes than behavioral processes.

Conclusions and implications: The use of processes increased within action-oriented stages, consistent with previous studies using the Transtheoretical Model in the nutritional area. The greater use of cognitive/experiential than behavioral processes at all stages was not consistent with predictions. Evidence of cultural differences in the use of processes of change was found.