Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Through Community Programs
Author Information
Author(s): Shawna E Doerksen, Paul A Estabrooks
Primary Institution: Kansas State University
Hypothesis
Can a low-intensity intervention based on social cognitive theory effectively increase fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in a community physical activity program?
Conclusion
The intervention was effective at improving fruit and vegetable consumption among adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants in the intervention increased their fruit and vegetable consumption by approximately one to one and one-third servings per day.
- The control group showed no change in consumption.
- Those who read seven or more newsletters increased their consumption by two servings per day.
Takeaway
This study shows that sending newsletters about fruits and vegetables can help people eat more of them, especially if they read the newsletters.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to either a fruit and vegetable intervention or a standard control condition, with data collected before and after an 8-week program.
Potential Biases
Participants were already engaged in a physical activity program, which may influence their motivation and behavior change.
Limitations
Self-reported data may not accurately reflect actual fruit and vegetable consumption, and the sample may not be representative of the general population.
Participant Demographics
Primarily female (75%), Caucasian (83%), well-educated (87.5% with more than a high school education), and employed full time (75%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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