Elsevier

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Volume 37, Issue 5, September–October 2005, Pages 246-251
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Research Brief
Influences on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption by Low-Income Black American Adolescents

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1499-4046(06)60279-0Get rights and content

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify personal, behavioral, and environmental factors influencing fruit and vegetable consumption among 10- to 13-year-old low-income black American youth in the lower Mississippi Delta region. Social Cognitive Theory, along with other theoretical constructs, guided focus group questions and analysis

Design

A qualitative study using focus group methodology.

Setting

Enrichment program of a sports summer camp for low-income youth.

Participants

Forty-two adolescents (21 female, 21 male) participated in 6 focus groups.

Main Outcome Measures

Personal, behavioral, and environmental influences on fruit and vegetable consumption.

Analysis

Content analysis methods were used by 3 independent reviewers to identify themes within the focus group transcripts. Themes were summarized and then categorized into the 3 domains of Social Cognitive Theory.

Results

The major themes were taste, availability, extended family influence, visual proof of the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption, and the need for gender-specific behavioral skills.

Conclusions and Implications

This formative research will-aid in the development of a culturally relevant nutrition intervention for low-income black American adolescents in the lower Mississippi Delta region. The results indicate that this group is more likely to respond to interventions that use role models who can provide proof that fruit and vegetable consumption is related to improved health.

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    Funding for this research was provided by Agricultural Research Service/US Drpartment of Agriculture project number 6251-530000-0020-00D.

    Work was completed at the University of Southern Mississippi.

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