Associations Between Variables of the Home Food Environment and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in College Students

Abstract

To determine which variables within three domains of the comprehensive home food environment (Home Food Availability and Cues; College Student Food Practice; Social Support and Modeling) are associated with fruit and vegetable (FV) intake of college students. Baseline survey data from the Healthy Home Study, a subproject of the Get FRUVED Study, were collected online during Fall 2016 from new freshmen (n=157; 18 to 25 years) at the University of Florida. Participants were recruited through Get FRUVED and list servs, lived on campus, and stored food at their dorm. Participants received $20 for completing surveys. Participants completed the Comprehensive Home Food Environment Survey, Dietary Screener Questionnaire, demographic questionnaire, and Social Support and Eating Habits Survey. A spearman correlation analysis was used to test for basic association between each variable of the home food environment and FV intake. Variables that significantly correlated with FV intake were included in a multiple regression analysis. A multiple linear regression was calculated to predict [FV consumption] based on [variables within three domains of the comprehensive home food environment]. A significant regression equation was found (F (3,154)=14.9, p < .000), with an R2 of .225]. Preliminary data suggest that availability of FV at home, healthy food preparation skills, and screen viewing were significant predictors of FV intake (β=0.302; p < .01, β=0.235; p < .01 and β=-0.203; p < .03, respectively). This study identified modifiable factors within the home food environment associated with FV intake, which have been targeted in an intervention that aims at improving FV intake in college students.