Food Outlet Accessibility and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 366-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas J. Ollberding ◽  
Claudio R. Nigg ◽  
Karly S. Geller ◽  
Caroline C. Horwath ◽  
Rob W. Motl ◽  
...  

Purpose. To examine if spatial access to healthy and unhealthy outlets comprising the local food environment was associated with fruit and vegetable consumption. Design. Cross-sectional. Setting. Population-based sample residing in Hawaii. Subjects. Three hundred and eighty-four adults (36% Asian-American, 33% non-Hispanic white, 31% other/mixed race). Measures. A spatial model of the local food environment was constructed using radial buffers extending from participants' place of residence. Fruit and vegetable intake was estimated using the National Cancer Institute Fruit and Vegetable All-Day Screener. Analysis. Mean intakes of fruits and vegetables were compared for spatial access to total, healthy, and unhealthy food outlets at distances of .5 to 3.5 km. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate differences in fruit and vegetable intake for residing further from a food outlet or for residing in an area with a greater number of food outlets. Results. Residing in an area with a greater density of total or healthy food outlets was associated with a higher mean intake of fruits and vegetables (p < .05) at .5 km. No differences in mean intakes were detected for distances beyond .5 km or for regression models. Conclusion. Findings suggest that greater spatial accessibility to food outlets comprising the local food environment in Hawaii may not be meaningfully associated with fruit and vegetable consumption; however, associations were detected for the smallest spatial scale examined, warranting further investigation.

Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessie L Parker ◽  
Liwei Chen ◽  
Diane C Mitchell ◽  
Hsin-Chieh Yeh ◽  
Cheryl Anderson ◽  
...  

Background: Increased intake of fruits and vegetables (F/V) may protect against adiposity, but effects on weight have been inconsistent. Our objective was to examine the relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and weight, using direct and indirect measures of dietary intake: self-reported 24-hour recall and serum carotenoid levels. Methods: Participants from the PREMIER lifestyle intervention trial were included in this analysis (n=554). Dietary measures included 24-hour dietary recalls and serum carotenoid levels, from a fasting blood sample. The outcome was weight in pounds. Nested linear mixed models were used to examine the association between F/V and weight. Results: Mean F/V increased from 4.6 (SD 2.4) to 5.6 (SD 3.2) (p=<.01), mean serum carotenoids increased from 53.2 (SD 31.9) to 68.1 (SD 42.5) (p=<.01). At 18 months, participants in the lowest quintile of fruit and vegetable change reported an average intake of 4.42.8 servings of fruits and vegetables, and those in the highest quintile of change reported an average intake of 7.73.2 servings. In a multivariate model adjusting for age, race, gender, intervention, energy, study site, and time, lower body weight was associated with higher F/V intake measured by dietary recall (−0.63 lbs, 95% CI −0.83 to −0.42, per 1 serving increase in F/V) and serum carotenoids (−0.13 lbs, 95% CI −0.15 to −0.11, per 1 ug/dl increase in carotenoids). Results were somewhat attenuated but consistent after additional adjustments for working heart rate, exercise, calories from sugar-sweetened beverages, marital and employment status, and alcohol use . Conclusions: Greater fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with decreased body weight. Results were consistent for both objective and self-reported measures of fruit and vegetable intake.


1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Krebs-Smith ◽  
Jerianne Heimendinger ◽  
Blossom H. Patterson ◽  
Amy F. Subar ◽  
Ronald Kessler ◽  
...  

Purpose. This study examined the relationship between various psychosocial factors and fruit and vegetable consumption. Design. The 5 A Day Baseline Survey, conducted in August 1991, just before the initiation of the 5 A Day for Better Health Program, obtained data on adults' intakes of, and their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding, fruits and vegetables. Setting. The survey was conducted by telephone. Subjects. Subjects were 2811 adults (response rate, 43%) aged 18 years and older in the 48 coterminous United States. Measures. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured as self-reported frequency of use; most of the psychosocial variables were measured using Likert scales. Results. This study estimates that only 8% of American adults thought that five or more servings of fruits and vegetables were needed for good health. Of the factors studied, the most important in determining someone's fruit and vegetable intake were the number of servings they thought they should have in a day, whether they liked the taste, and whether they had been in the habit of eating many fruits and vegetables since childhood. These few factors accounted for 15% more of the variation in fruit and vegetable consumption than did demographic variables alone (8%). Conclusions. Nutrition education should stress the need to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day because few adults are aware of this recommendation and such knowledge is strongly associated with increased intake. Furthermore, efforts to increase the palatability of fruits and vegetables, especially among children, should be promoted.


2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1206-1214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilke JC van Ansem ◽  
Carola TM Schrijvers ◽  
Gerda Rodenburg ◽  
Dike van de Mheen

AbstractObjectiveTo examine: (i) the association between home availability of fruit and vegetables and children's fruit and vegetable intake; (ii) the association between parental perception of the local food shopping environment and the home availability of fruit and vegetables; and (iii) whether the home availability of fruit and vegetables mediates the association between parental perception of the local food environment and children's fruit and vegetable consumption.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA total of ninety-one primary schools in the Netherlands.SubjectsIn total 1501 primary caregivers completed a questionnaire to measure children's fruit and vegetable consumption, home availability of fruit and vegetables, parental perceptions of the local food shopping environment (price, quality and availability), the child's socio-economic status, the child's ethnicity and maternal height and weight.ResultsThe home availability of fruit and vegetables was positively associated with children's fruit and vegetable intake (P < 0·01 and P < 0·001, respectively). Negative parental perceptions of the local food shopping environment were associated with less fruit available at home (P < 0·05, P < 0·01 and P < 0·05 for price, quality and availability of fruit, respectively). No significant associations were found between parental perception of the local food shopping environment and children's fruit and vegetable consumption. We found no evidence that home availability of fruit and vegetables mediates the association between parental perception of the local food environment and children's fruit and vegetable intake.ConclusionsInterventions focusing on improving the home availability of fruit and vegetables may help to increase children's fruit and vegetable consumption. However, more data are required on factors influencing the home availability of fruit and vegetables.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Johanna-Katharina Schönbach ◽  
Stefan K Lhachimi

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to dynamically model and quantify expected health effects of four scenarios: (i) a reference scenario with an unchanged fruit and vegetable intake, (ii) the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on fruits and vegetables, (iii) the implementation of a 20 % subsidy on fruits and vegetables and (iv) a guideline scenario with a population-wide fruit and vegetable intake of five portions per day. Design: Baseline fruit and vegetable intake data was derived from the GEDA 2012 study. We used price elasticities for Germany to calculate the change in fruit and vegetable consumption under the zero VAT and the 20 % subsidy scenario. All scenarios were modelled over a 10-year projection period using DYNAMO-HIA. Setting: Germany. Participants: A projected real-life population. Results: Cumulated over the 10-year projection period, an estimated 4450 incident ischaemic heart disease (IHD) cases, 7010 stroke cases and 13 960 deaths would be prevented under the zero VAT scenario. Under the 20 % subsidy scenario, 17 990 incident IHD cases, 27 390 stroke cases and 54 880 deaths would be averted. Although this corresponds to only a fraction of the incidents that would occur under the reference scenario, the averted cases translate to 2 % (for the zero VAT scenario) and 9 % (for the 20 % subsidy scenario) of IHD, stroke and death cases that would be prevented if the whole population consumed the recommended five portions of fruits and vegetables per day. Conclusions: Fiscal policies on fruits and vegetables provide a non-negligible step towards the removal of the health burden induced by low fruit and vegetable intake.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Miller ◽  
Frederick Cudhea ◽  
Gitanjali Singh ◽  
Renata Micha ◽  
Peilin Shi ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake contributes to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and the impacts of fruits and vegetables on CVD risk worldwide has not been well established by country, age, and sex. Our objective was to derive comprehensive and accurate estimates of the burdens of CVD attributable to fruit and vegetable consumption using the largest standardized global dietary database currently available. Methods National intakes of fruit and vegetables (including legumes) were estimated using a Bayesian hierarchical model using individual-level intake data from nationally and sub-nationally representative diet surveys and country-level availability data (266 surveys representing 1630,069 individuals from 113 of 187 countries─ 82% of the world's population). The effects of fruits and vegetables on coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke mortality, collectively referred to as CVD mortality, were derived from the most recent meta-analyses of prospective cohorts. Disease specific mortality data were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases study. A comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate the proportional attributable fraction (PAF) and number of disease-specific deaths. Results In 2010, suboptimal intakes of fruit were estimated to result in 521,395 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 498,254–542,808) CHD deaths (PAF: 7.5%; 7.2–7.8%) and 1255,978 (1187,716–1325,879) stroke deaths (PAF: 21.7%; 20.5–22.9%) globally per year. Suboptimal intakes of vegetables were estimated to result in 809,425 (783,362–836,687) CHD deaths (PAF: 11.6%; 11.3–12.0%) and 210,849 (196,297–226,577) stroke deaths (PAF: 3.6%; 3.4–3.9%). The proportion of CVD deaths from suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake was higher in males and younger adults. Among the 20 most populous countries, China (541,564; 482,709–608,314; PAF: 20.3%) had the largest absolute CVD deaths from suboptimal fruit intake and India (199,364; 176,961–222,688; PAF: 11.6%) from vegetables. Results for the global burden of fruits and vegetables on CVD in 1990 and 2015 will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions Suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake each contribute to significant CVD mortality, demonstrating a pressing need for public health and policy priorities to increase intake. Funding Sources Gates Foundation. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Miller ◽  
Frederick Cudhea ◽  
Gitanjali Singh ◽  
Renata Micha ◽  
Peilin Shi ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake contributes to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and the impacts of fruits and vegetables on CVD risk worldwide has not been well established by country, age, and sex. Our objective was to derive comprehensive and accurate estimates of the burdens of CVD attributable to fruit and vegetable consumption using the largest standardized global dietary database currently available. Methods National intakes of fruit and vegetables (including legumes) were estimated using a Bayesian hierarchical model using individual-level intake data from nationally and sub-nationally representative diet surveys and country-level availability data (266 surveys representing 1,630,069 individuals from 113 of 187 countries─82% of the world's population). The effects of fruits and vegetables on coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke mortality, collectively referred to as CVD mortality, were derived from the most recent meta-analyses of prospective cohorts. Disease specific mortality data were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases study. A comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate the proportional attributable fraction (PAF) and number of disease-specific deaths. Results In 2010, suboptimal intakes of fruit were estimated to result in 521,395 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 498,254-542,808) CHD deaths (PAF: 7.5%; 7.2–7.8%) and 1,255,978 (1187,716–1325,879) stroke deaths (PAF: 21.7%; 20.5–22.9%) globally per year. Suboptimal intakes of vegetables were estimated to result in 809,425 (783,362–836,687) CHD deaths (PAF: 11.6%; 11.3–12.0%) and 210,849 (196,297–226,577) stroke deaths (PAF: 3.6%; 3.4–3.9%). The proportion of CVD deaths from suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake was higher in males and younger adults. Among the 20 most populous countries, China (541,564; 482,709–608,314; PAF: 20.3%) had the largest absolute CVD deaths from suboptimal fruit intake and India (199,364; 176,961–222,688; PAF: 11.6%) from vegetables. Results for the global burden of fruits and vegetables on CVD in 1990 and 2015 will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions Suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake each contribute to significant CVD mortality, demonstrating a pressing need for public health and policy priorities to increase intake. Funding Sources Gates Foundation. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


Food Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1451-1460 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.S Ahmad Sirfan ◽  
A.H. Hamirudin ◽  
S. Sidek

The low intake of fruits and vegetables is a global issue. This research aimed to determine the association of fruit and vegetable intake with waist circumference and barriers of intake. A total of 279 female students from the International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, were recruited through convenience sampling and provided with a set of questionnaires to identify their fruits and vegetable intake. The waist circumference of respondents was measured. The majority of students consumed only one serving of fruit and vegetable per day, which is less than the levels recommended by the Malaysian Dietary Guideline. Only 9.0% of students had a fruits intake of two servings/day, while 6.5% had a vegetable intake of three servings/day which meets the recommendation. There was no significant association of fruits and vegetable intake with waist circumference among female students. Non-availability and not delicious were identified as major barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption respectively. In conclusion, the fruit and vegetable intake among the majority of female university students is inadequate. Thus, there is a need to increase awareness and develop strategies to promote adequate fruit and vegetable intake among this specific target group.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1052-1059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-Ti Hsu ◽  
Pei-Hung Liao ◽  
William Chu ◽  
Shiu-Yan Yang ◽  
I-Ju Chen

AbstractObjectiveThe present study investigated the current status of fruit and vegetable intake among seniors and assessed the relationship between personal background factors, social psychological factors and environmental factors of the study participants and their fruit and vegetable consumption behaviour.DesignResearch data were collected through individual interviews using a questionnaire developed by the authors. SPSS for Windows 15·0 statistical software was used to process and analyse the data.SettingElderly individuals sampled from all twenty-nine administration units of Keelung City’s Renai District were interviewed.SubjectsStudy participants included 398 residents aged 65 years or older.ResultsOn average, study participants ate five daily servings of fruits and vegetables on 2·86 d/week. The important variables influencing fruit and vegetable consumption were education level, outcome expectancy, social support, self-efficacy, frequency of dining out and role modelling. Educated participants consumed more fruits and vegetables than those without education. Outcome expectancy, social support, self-efficacy and role modelling had positive impacts on fruit and vegetable intake, but frequency of dining out had a negative impact on fruit and vegetable intake. The significant predictors of fruit and vegetable intake behaviour were education level, outcome expectancy, social support and frequency of dining out. Among those variables, social support was the most influential factor.ConclusionsOur findings supported the conclusion that health education strategies to increase fruit and vegetable intake among seniors should include the variables of social support and outcome expectancy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Kegler ◽  
April Hermstad ◽  
Regine Haardörfer

Abstract Background The home provides the physical and social context for the majority of eating behaviors for U.S. adults. This study describes eleven dimensions of the home food environment among a national sample of U.S. adults and identifies which are associated with diet quality and overweight/obesity. Methods A national sample of U.S. adults ages 18 to 75 was recruited from an online survey panel. Respondents (n = 4942) reported on foods available in the home, including 1) fruit and vegetables, 2) salty snacks/sweets, 3) less healthy beverages, as well as 4) food placement, 5) shopping practices for fruits and vegetables, 6) food preparation, 7) portion control methods, 8) family meals from restaurants, 9) family household practices around TV and eating, 10) presence of a TV in the dining area, and 11) ownership of a scale. Self-reported height and weight, fruit and vegetable intake, and percent calories from fat were also assessed. Results Mean household size was 2.6, 32.7% had children in the home, and 23.1% lived alone. The majority were White (67.7%), with 12.3% Black and 14.3% Hispanic. Mean age was 44.4 and 48.3% were men. In multivariable models, seven features of the home food environment were associated with meeting the recommended fruit and vegetable intake guidelines, with food placement, meal preparation, frequency of shopping for fruit, and a greater variety of fruits and vegetables available in the home most strongly associated. Eight of 11 features were associated with percent energy from fat, including restaurant food for family meals, salty snacks and sweets availability, less healthy beverages availability, food placement, meal preparation, frequency of shopping for fruit, family eating with the TV on, and having a TV in the dining area. More diverse fruit and vegetable availability was associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity, and more frequent family eating while watching TV was associated with increased odds of overweight/obesity. Conclusion Targeting these dimensions of the home food environment may be a promising approach for future intervention research.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C Krzyzanowski ◽  
Paul N Kizakevich ◽  
Vanessa Duren-Winfield ◽  
Randall Eckhoff ◽  
Joel Hampton ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND With the increasing use of mobile devices to access the internet and as the main computing system of apps, there is a growing market for mobile health apps to provide self-care advice. Their effectiveness with regard to diet and fitness tracking, for example, needs to be examined. The majority of American adults fail to meet daily recommendations for healthy behavior. Testing user engagement with an app in a controlled environment can provide insight into what is effective and not effective in an app focused on improving diet and exercise. OBJECTIVE We developed Rams Have Heart, a mobile app, to support a cardiovascular disease (CVD) intervention course. The app tracks healthy behaviors, including fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity, throughout the day. This paper aimed to present its functionality and evaluated adherence among the African American college student population. METHODS We developed the app using the Personal Health Informatics and Intervention Toolkit, a software framework. Rams Have Heart integrates self-reported health screening with health education, diary tracking, and user feedback modules to acquire data and assess progress. The parent study, conducted at a historically black college and university-designated institution in southeastern United States, consisted of a semester-long intervention administered as an academic course in the fall, for 3 consecutive years. Changes were made after the cohort 1 pilot study, so results only include cohorts 2 and 3, comprising a total of 115 students (n=55 intervention participants and n=54 control participants) aged from 17 to 24 years. Data collected over the study period were transferred using the secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure protocol and stored in a secure Structured Query Language server database accessible only to authorized persons. SAS software was used to analyze the overall app usage and the specific results collected. RESULTS Of the 55 students in the intervention group, 27 (49%) students in cohort 2 and 25 (45%) in cohort 3 used the Rams Have Heart app at least once. Over the course of the fall semester, app participation dropped off gradually until exam week when most students no longer participated. The average fruit and vegetable intake increased slightly, and activity levels decreased over the study period. CONCLUSIONS Rams Have Heart was developed to allow daily tracking of fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity to support a CVD risk intervention for a student demographic susceptible to obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. We conducted an analysis of app usage, function, and user results. Although a mobile app provides privacy and flexibility for user participation in a research study, Rams Have Heart did not improve compliance or user outcomes. Health-oriented research studies relying on apps in support of user goals need further evaluation.


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