Psychosocial factors and physical activity as predictors of fruit and vegetable intake in college students

Rafael Miranda Tassitano,Poliana Coelho Cabral,Clarice Maria De Lucena Martins,Jorge Mota,Maria Cecíla Marinho Tenório,Giselia Alves Pontes Da Silva

doi:10.1590/1678-98652016000200003

Abstract

Objective: To analyze whether psychosocial factors and physical activity are predictors of fruit and vegetable intake in young adults attending college. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a representative sample of students from a public university in the Brazilian Northeast (n=717). Fruit and vegetable intake was measured by a Food Frequency Questionnaire containing 21 items. The psychosocial factors for behavior change, measured by a questionnaire, were: behavior change strategy, self-efficacy, perceived barriers and facilitators in decision making, and social support. The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was the intake prediction model using a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: The median fruit and vegetable intake was 2.0 servings/day. In adjusted analysis, behavior change strategy (R²=0.31), self-efficacy (R²=0.03), friends' support (R²=0.02), and physical activity (R²=0.03) explained 39% of the fruit and vegetable intake variance in men. Behavior change strategy (R²=0.03), self-efficacy (R²=0.13), perceived barriers (R²=0.08), and physical activity (R²=0.02) explained 26% of the fruit and vegetable intake variance in women. Fruit and vegetable intake would increase by one serving for every extra 35 and 47 minutes of physical activity men and women, respectively, practice a day. Conclusion: The main predictors of fruit and vegetable intake are behavior change strategies, self-efficacy, and physical activity.

Highlights

Adequate fruit and vegetable intake, essential for a healthy diet, is associated with weight maintenance and lower risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases[1]
PREDICTORS OF FOOD CONSUMPTION | 175 demographic determinants of fruit and vegetable intake are well documented in the literature[4,5], on the other, understanding how individuals establish and maintain healthy behaviors has been the focus of studies in the last decades[6]
Systematic reviews have indicated that the proposed prediction models explain only about 30% of the intake[7,8,9]

Summary

Introduction

Adequate fruit and vegetable intake, essential for a healthy diet, is associated with weight maintenance and lower risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases[1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an intake of at least 400 g per day or at least five servings per day[1]. Despite the recognition of its benefits and encouragement actions introduced in the last decades, most people throughout the world do not consume the minimum recommended amount[1,2]. On the one hand, evidence of the environmental, economic, social, and PREDICTORS OF FOOD CONSUMPTION | 175 demographic determinants of fruit and vegetable intake are well documented in the literature[4,5], on the other, understanding how individuals establish and maintain healthy behaviors has been the focus of studies in the last decades[6]. Understanding the psychosocial determinants is key for the development of more effective behavioral interventions to increase fruit and vegetable intake[7,8]. Systematic reviews have indicated that the proposed prediction models explain only about 30% of the intake[7,8,9]

Methods

Results

Conclusion