scholarly journals “They said I’m a square for eating them”

2016 ◽  
Vol 118 (12) ◽  
pp. 2949-2962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Povey ◽  
Lisa Cowap ◽  
Lucy Gratton

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore primary school children’s beliefs towards eating fruit and vegetables in a deprived area in England. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 children aged 9-11 from an after school club at a primary school in a deprived area in the West Midlands. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Findings Six master themes emerged from the data: “effect on the senses”, “feelings about food”, “healthy vs unhealthy foods”, “effects on health”, “convenience” and “family and friends”. Analysis showed that children seemed to have a very good awareness of the health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables. However, negative beliefs were associated with sensory perceptions (such as taste, texture, appearance and aroma), availability, and the competing desirability of other, unhealthy foods. Also, although parents were key influences, siblings and friends were often perceived as negative influences and would tease children about eating fruit and vegetables. Practical implications Suggestions for interventions include increasing the appeal and availability of pre-prepared fruits and vegetables in both home and school environments. Additionally, an approach to eating more fruit and vegetables which focusses on siblings and friends is advocated as these groups appear to play a key role in terms of promoting the consumption of these foods. Originality/value This study is novel as it uses individual interviews to explore primary school children’s attitudes towards fruit and vegetable consumption in a deprived area in England. By focussing on the specific behaviours of fruit and vegetable consumption, the findings aid the development of interventions that are designed to improve children’s healthy eating behaviour.

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Acheampong Yaw Amoateng ◽  
Phidelia Theresa Doegah ◽  
Christopher Udomboso

SummaryThis study used data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey to investigate the association between selected socio-demographic factors and dietary behaviour as measured by fruit and vegetable consumption among a sample of 6139 young people aged 15–34 years in Ghana. Overall, fruit and vegetable consumption was low in young people, but females were likely to consume more fruit and vegetables than their male counterparts. Respondents from the Mande ethnic group, those who resided in rural areas and those living in the Brong/Ahafo, Ashanti and the Eastern regions consumed more fruit and vegetables than those from other regions. Females who were Catholic/Anglican, Methodist/Presbyterian and Pentecostal/Charismatic were more likely than those of other religions to consume fruit and vegetables, while Muslim males generally consumed more fruit and vegetables. The findings point to the need for interventions to educate young people in Ghana about the health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables.


2004 ◽  
Vol 74 (5) ◽  
pp. 341-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ünüsan

A questionnaire was developed to determine the behaviors associated with eating fruit and vegetables and to assess perceived benefits and barriers to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. A total of 713 non-food/nutrition major university students were randomly selected from seven universities in Turkey. Self-reported mean intake was found to be 3.67 ± 1.81 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Positive correlations existed between daily fruit and vegetable portions. Male students were significantly higher than female students in body mass index measurements (BMI 22.71 vs. 20.1, p _ .05). Among male students only BMI was positively associated with age. Compared to male students, female students were more likely to eat fruit and vegetables. Male students were less likely to eat fruit instead of dessert. Vegetables were more preferred by female students at lunch and dinner. Exploratory principal-components analyses showed that a two-component solution best represented the data. The first component represented the benefits of eating more fruit. The second component described barriers to eating more fruit. Both components have an internal consistency of 0.73 and 0.56 respectively, with benefits accounting for 17% and barriers 12% of variance These scales may be used to increase the benefits to get students to think about change, and decreasing the barriers to allow the behavior to change in fruit and vegetable consumption should follow this. Since Turkish students do not eat enough fruit and vegetables, nutrition education efforts must be targeted at students (i.e. acceptability of these foods in different meal and snacks is maintained, promoted, and encouraged). Barriers may be reduced, thereby allowing students to take action and maintain the behavior change.


2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1142-1148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleni Koui ◽  
Russell Jago

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether the self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption of Greek primary-school children is associated with the home availability of fruit and vegetables.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingFive primary schools in the city of Pyrgos in south-west Greece.SubjectsOne hundred and sixty-seven students in fifth and sixth grades.MethodsFruit and vegetable consumption was assessed using an FFQ. Home availability of fruit and vegetables was assessed using a modified version of a US home availability questionnaire. Participant BMI was assessed and parental education obtained by self-report. Hierarchical regression models that took account of the clustering of participants in schools were used to examine the relationship between consumption and availability after controlling for parental education and BMI.ResultsRegression analyses showed that home availability of fruit was a significant predictor of consumption (β= 0·524,Z= 9·77,P< 0·001) in a model that explained 46 % of the overall variance. Home availability of vegetables was a significant predictor of vegetable intake (β= 0·378,Z= 6·23,P< 0·001) in a model that explained 29 % of the overall variance.ConclusionHome availability of fruit and vegetables was associated with consumption among Greek primary-school children. The association between home availability of fruit and intake was higher than the associations that have been reported in other samples. Results support focusing on the home availability of fruit and vegetables as a potential mediator of consumption that could be manipulated as a means of increasing fruit and vegetable intake among children.


2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Aschemann-Witzel ◽  
Tino Bech-Larsen ◽  
Alice Grønhøj

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to study the extent of change in parents' fruit and vegetable consumption during a period when their children participate in a school-based healthy eating intervention. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 256 12-year-old Danish schoolchildren took part in a text-message feedback intervention promoting fruit and vegetable consumption. One parent of each child filled out self-administered questionnaires at three points during the 40-week study period. In the questionnaire, stated consumption, perceived influence factors on their consumption and self-efficacy and self-regulation were measured. Findings – Only half of the parents stated that they met the “five a day” target. These parents reported good availability of fruit and vegetables in their household, high consumption among their friends and frequent exercise and they were characterised by high self-efficacy levels. Stated consumption increased during the period of the intervention targeted at their children. Parents that reported an increase had, at the start of the intervention, reported low levels of consumption, lack of encouragement to eat healthy at their workplace and lower autonomous self-regulation. Research limitations/implications – The consumption data is limited to self-report. Practical implications – The results indicate that parents can be influenced indirectly by school-based interventions targeted at their children. Future interventions should include the family with the intent to support positive interaction that might further promote and sustain healthy eating habits. Originality/value – The study considers the possible effects school interventions targeting children may have on the immediate family, an aspect generally overlooked in school-based health initiatives.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Jessica Jarick Metcalfe ◽  
Melissa Pflugh Prescott ◽  
Melissa Schumacher ◽  
Caitlin Kownacki ◽  
Jennifer McCaffrey

Abstract Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Market to MyPlate (M2MP) program on fruit and vegetable consumption and cooking behaviours. Secondary objectives were to examine factors that affected participant retention and program completion, and analyse program feedback provided by participants. Design: This study conducted a mixed methods evaluation embedded within a cluster randomised controlled trial of the M2MP intervention. Adult participants completed a pre- and post-program survey reporting on their fruit and vegetable consumption and cooking behaviours. A subsample participated in structured interviews, providing feedback about M2MP and the impact of the program. Setting: Seven weekly classes took place in community centres and extension offices in central Illinois. Participants: 120 adults and their families participated. Class cohorts were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) nutrition education and cooking classes with produce allocations (PAE, n 39); (2) nutrition education and cooking classes only (EO, n 36) or (3) control group (n 45). Results: Compared to control, PAE participants reported larger increases from pre- to post-intervention in fruit (P = 0·001) and vegetable consumption (P = 0·002), with no differences in cooking frequency. Interview analyses identified key themes in behaviour changes due to M2MP, including reported increases in dietary variety, cooking self-efficacy and children’s participation in cooking. Conclusions: PAE participants who received an intervention that directly increased their access to fresh produce (via produce allocations) increased their reported fruit and vegetable consumption. Though participants’ cooking frequency did not change, interviewees reported increased variety, cooking confidence and family participation in cooking.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Christine Vita Gloria Purba ◽  
Alhidayati Alhidayati ◽  
Riri Maharani ◽  
Lia Indriyani Hutabarat

Background; Based on the results of the 2013 Ministry of Health's Basic Health Research in children aged 10 years and above who consumed less fruit and vegetables with a yield of 93.5%. Less fruits and vegetables consumption will inhibit the growth and development of children and increase the risk of disease. Objectives; To determined the determination of fruit and vegetable consumption in students of Elementary School 130 Pekanbaru City in 2018. Material and Method; type of research used analytic survey used cross sectional study. This research was carried out in Elementary School 130 Pekanbaru City. The sample of this study was students of class v and vi in Elementary School 130 Pekanbaru City who were taken by exhaustic sampling with a total of 113 samples. Results; there was a relationship between pleasure with a P value = 0,000 and POR = 9,200 (CI = 2,756-32,853), the role of parents in relation to vegetables with P value = 0.02 and POR = 4.163 (CI = 1.590-10,898), menu variation with P value = 0.003 and POR = 4.218 (CI = 1.549-11,485) with the help of fruit and vegetable consumption. There was no relationship between knowledge with P value = 0.792 and POR = 807 (CI = 340-1199), peer support with P value = 0.410 and POR = 1.479 (CI = 581-3,761). Conclusion; For mothers to pay attention to the intake of fruit and vegetables for children, be more creative to process food for children.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 75
Author(s):  
Mindo Lupiana ◽  
Sadiman Sadiman

<em>Indonesian people's fruit consumption is still relatively low compared to other countries that do not have the resources to produce fruits. <strong>Purpose:</strong> this study was to determine the factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption in elementary school students. <strong>Method</strong><strong>s:</strong> This research method uses a cross sectional design. The research population was all students in class V totaling 123 students and the study sample was 100 students who were determined using simple random sampling. This research was conducted in Negeri 1 Rajabasa Raya Bandar Lampung City. Data processing in this study was univariate and bivariate using the chi square test. <strong>Results:</strong> The results showed that the factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption were preference (p = 0.001), knowledge (p = 0,000) and attitude (p = 000). The unrelated variable is the availability at home (p = 0.813). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Factors that increase consumption of fruit and vegetables in elementary school students are preference, good knowledge, and supportive attitude. Socialization needs to be done to increase knowledge about the benefits and effects of less consumption of fruit and vegetables, put up a poster media about the benefits and effects of less consumption of fruits and vegetables.</em>


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxine Sharps ◽  
Eleanor Thomas ◽  
Jacqueline Blissett

Purpose: Children’s fruit and vegetable consumption is lower than recommended and increasing consumption is important for children’s health. Nudges influence children’s eating behaviour, but less is known about their influence on children’s fruit and vegetable consumption. Two studies were conducted to examine this. Methods: Study 1 examined whether a fruit nudge (an image of grapes) on a plate influenced children’s fruit (grapes) consumption relative to a control condition (no image). In a between-subjects design, children (n=63, Mean age=8.9 years, SD=1.41, 38 females, 25 males, 73% had a healthy-weight) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (fruit nudge vs. control). Study 2 examined the influence of a large portion nudge (an image of a large portion of carrots) vs. a small portion nudge (an image of a small portion of carrots) vs. control (no nudge) on children’s vegetable (carrot) consumption. In a between-subjects design, children (n=60, Mean age=8.53 years, SD=2.14, 31 females, 29 males, 85% had a healthy-weight) were randomly assigned to a condition. Results: In Study 1 children consumed significantly more fruit in the fruit nudge condition than the control condition. In Study 2 children exposed to the large portion nudge ate significantly more vegetables than the other two conditions. The small portion nudge did not affect children’s vegetable consumption relative to control. Conclusions: The results indicate that nudges influence children’s fruit and vegetable consumption, and that the portion size of the nudge may be key to whether the nudge influences children’s eating behaviour.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-89
Author(s):  
Imola Szabó ◽  
◽  
József Lehota ◽  

The importance of fruit and vegetable consumption is emphasized by promotions, recommendations, and domestic and foreign researches. According to the results of Hungarian research, consumers with high education and high income are the fastest to commit to a healthy lifestyle (of which regular consumption of fruit and vegetables is an integral part). The present study examines fruit and vegetable consumption through focus group interviews examining two distinct segments; full-time undergraduate students as well as full-time adults. The reason for choosing the two segments was based on the literature, according to which lifestyle research shows that the supportive family financial background of students helps to make this segment more health-conscious, while full-time adults with higher education and income are also more health-conscious consumers. Based on the results of interviews with six groups - three with students and three with full-time adults - it can be stated that among the participants the reasons for consuming fruit and vegetables are health awareness, and in many cases the family pattern is a determining, moreover important aspect that vegetables and fruits are very much loved. However, despite their commitment to a healthy lifestyle and fruit and vegetable, most of them have never heard of fruit and vegetable promotions. As a result of the focus group research, it can also be observed that income is a determining factor, especially in the face of rising prices. In addition to consumption patterns, the research also addressed the issue of branding, the results of which suggest that geographical indications are still more important than the creation of a stand-alone brand name.


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