The Association Between Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Fruit and Vegetable Stage of Change in Underserved Communities Engaging With Cooperative Extension Services

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare differences in fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and FV stage of change in 2 diverse communities engaging with cooperative extension services (Extension). MethodsCross-sectional study of FV behaviors of community members enrolled in a team-based challenge offered by Extension. t test and chi-square analyses examined differences in FV intake and FV stage of change. Linear regression examined the relationship between FV stage of change and FV intake, adjusting for demographics. ResultsThere was a significant (P = .01) difference in staging between the African American and Hispanic communities. Of individuals in the African American community, 60% were in the preparation stage; in the Hispanic community, 55% were in the precontemplation/contemplation stage. The FV stage of change was significantly associated with daily FV intake (β = .53; P < .001). Conclusions and ImplicationsTo promote consumption of FVs better, nutrition education programs such as Extension should differentiate based on stages of change among subpopulations.