Understanding the Barriers to Whole Grain Consumption Among Low‐Income Adults

Abstract

Low‐income adults are not meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendation for whole grain foods of 3 ounces per day. This low intake may be attributed to factors related to identification, cost, family influence, and food preparation skills. However, previous studies have not assessed the barriers related to whole grain consumption in this population. The objectives of this mixed‐methods study was to assess the ability of low‐income adults in identifying whole grain foods, and further determine the major barriers that affect whole grain consumption. As part of a health display, low‐income adults (n=60) viewed 11 food items comprised of 5 whole grain and 6 refined grain foods. Afterwards, low‐income adults participated in a 10‐minute interview consisting of 5 questions with a trained researcher to determine how they identified the foods as whole grain or refined grain, and also evaluate factors that influence whole grain consumption using the constructs of the Integrated Behavior Model. Descriptive statistics were conducted for demographic data and survey scores, and the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The mean (SD) age of adults was 46.5 (15.5) years and the majority of adults were female (73%), Non‐Hispanic white (77%), and had less than a Bachelor's degree (89%). Only 10% of low‐income adults identified all 5 whole grain foods correctly. Most low‐income adults did not identify popcorn (73%) as a whole grain food due to the presence of other ingredients, such as butter and salt, in the food. The refined grain food that was identified incorrectly most often as whole grain was white rice (45%), attributed to the word “grain” present on the packaging and also familiarity as a common food in meals. Additional barriers that may affect the consumption of whole grain foods among low‐income adults were perceived taste and cost. The results suggest a need for tailored strategies to address these barriers in helping low‐income adults meet the DGA for daily whole grain consumption.