Psychosocial predictors of increases in fruit and vegetable consumption.

Abstract

To examine psychosocial predictors of changes in fruit and vegetable consumption. 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. 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. Fruit and vegetable consumption may be encouraged by influencing the above variables.