Abstract
Background: African American men have poorer health outcomes compared to their white counterparts despite medical advancements and early detection of diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent the constructs of the multi theory model (MTM) explain the intention for initiation and sustenance of the consumption of fruits and vegetables among African American adult men in Mississippi. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design a valid and reliable paper survey was administered during November and December of 2019. The target population for the study consisted of African American adult men (18 or older) that had not consumed recommended levels of fruits and vegetables within 24 hours of taking the questionnaire. A convenience quota sample of African American men from select barbershops in Jackson, Mississippi, were asked to complete the 40-item questionnaire on preventive health screening behavior (n=134). Results: The mean total number of fruits and vegetables consumed by participants within 24hours of the taking the survey was 1.63 (SD =1.47). The mean intention to initiate consuming 5or more cups of fruits and vegetables per day score was 2.13 (SD=1.17) as measured on a 5-point scale (0-4). Behavioral confidence (β = 0.495, P<0.0001), and changes in physical environment(β = 0.230, P<0.0001) accounted for 40.8% of the variance in predicting the intention to initiate behavioral change regarding the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Practice for change (β = 0.462, P<0.001) and emotional transformation (β = 0.215, P<0.0001) accounted for 37.5% of the variance in the intention to sustain fruits and vegetables consumption behavior. Conclusion: Based on data found in the study, MTM appears to predict the intention to initiate and sustain fruit and vegetable intake of African American men. Further research studies of suitable interventions to target African American men are needed.
Highlights
Fruits and vegetables are a source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which combat noncommunicable diseases.[1]
This study provides evidence to help guide future intervention development to promote fruit and vegetable intake of African American men helping to close the gap of knowledge
The target population for this study consisted of African American adult men (18 or older) who had not consumed fruits and vegetables within 24 hours of taking the survey
Summary
Fruits and vegetables are a source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, which combat noncommunicable diseases.[1]. In the United States, only one in 10 adults consume the recommended daily servings of one and a half to two cups of fruits and two to three cups of vegetables.[3] Increased risk of death, vascular disease, and cancer are associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables.[4] Healthy People 2020 has outlined Objectives: “Nutrition and Weight Status (NWS)-14 Increase the contribution of fruits to the diet of the population age two years and older. The target population for the study consisted of African American adult men (18 or older) that had not consumed recommended levels of fruits and vegetables within 24 hours of taking the questionnaire. Conclusion: Based on data found in the study, MTM appears to predict the intention to initiate and sustain fruit and vegetable intake of African American men. Further research studies of suitable interventions to target African American men are needed
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