Examining Junior High and High School Students' Willingness to Consume Foods and Beverages Recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Abstract

Understanding adolescents' willingness to consume foods and beverages is important because preferences impact consumption. This study examined junior high and high school students' willingness to consume 9 foods and beverages recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines For Americans and 9 high fat and sugar alternatives to these items. 288 students completed the survey (67.4% junior high, 51.7% female, 76% white). Willingness data were gathered using a 4‐point Likert‐type scale ranging from “always unwilling” to “always willing,” with an option to select “never eaten.” Exploratory Factor Analysis using Principal Axis factoring with a Promax (oblique) rotation returned 3 factors. Factor 1 included ice cream, French fries, pizza, chips, fried chicken, donuts, and cookies (22.6% of the variance). Factor 2 included whole‐wheat pasta and whole‐wheat toast (13.5% of the variance). Factor 3 included 100% fruit juice, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit (6.6% of the variance). Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha (Factor 1 = .802, Factor 2 = .724, Factor 3 = .558). Group mean scores for Factors 2 and 3 were significantly higher for high school students compared to junior high students (t = .47, p < .05 and t = .31, p < .001, respectively). This preliminary study provides valuable insight into food preference patterns, and therefore eating behaviors, of adolescents.Funded in part by Hatch Act Funds # LAB 93846