Psychosocial factors of vegetable intake in urban and semi-urban Mexican schoolchildren

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore a predictive capacity of psychosocial factors of motivation, ability and environmental opportunity factors of vegetable intake between urban and semi-urban schoolchildren population 10 to 12 years old of six cities of the State of Chihuahua (Mexico). A validated questionnaire was administered in a representative sample of 1434 schoolchildren of Elementary School. Frequency of daily consumption of vegetables was higher in semi-urban schoolchildren (vegetables ? 2 portion/day). The regression analysis explained 33% (p<0.01) to 45% (p<0.01) of the variance in vegetable intake by potential psychosocial factors. Preferences, cognitive abilities, perceived barriers and accessibility at home were a significant related to vegetable intake in urban (B<0.18, p<0.01) and semi-urban schoolchildren (B<0.11, p<0.01). It is concluded that in designing effective intervention to increment vegetable intake between urban and semi-urban children should focus on increase the preferences and cognitive abilities. Also, decrease perceived barriers and facilitate the availability at home. Finally, implication of the findings in psychosocial factors and for more efficient future research interventions need to be applied on mediation analysis to determine the predictive capacity and strength of the factors to obtain more effective intervention. Abstract