Psychosocial predictors of increases in fruit and vegetable consumption

Abstract

Objectives: To examine psychosocial predictors of changes in fruit and vegetable consumption.

Methods: Baseline psychosocial variables were used to explain differences in changes in consumption in 83 healthy women with children after they received free fruit and vegetables for one month.

Results: One-month changes in fruit consumption (mean 144; SE 16 g/day) were positively associated with perceived costs and perceived health benefits for the children, and negatively associated with perceived behavioral control. Changes in vegetable consumption (68 (11) g/day) were positively related with the intention to eat at least 200 g of vegetables and taste preferences of the children.

Conclusions: Fruit and vegetable consumption may be encouraged by influencing the above variables.