Are positive changes in potential determinants associated with increased fruit and vegetable intakes among primary schoolchildren? Results of two intervention studies in the Netherlands: The Schoolgruiten Project and the Pro Children Study
2008

Impact of Interventions on Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Schoolchildren

Sample size: 602 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tak Nannah I, te Velde Saskia J, Brug Johannes

Primary Institution: VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Hypothesis

Positive changes in determinants of fruit and vegetable intake are associated with increased intake among primary schoolchildren.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence that changes in certain determinants of fruit and vegetable intake can lead to increased consumption among children.

Supporting Evidence

  • Increased liking of fruits and vegetables was associated with higher intake frequency.
  • Parental facilitation and availability at home were significant predictors of increased intake.
  • Behavior changes in fruit and vegetable intake were observed in both intervention studies.

Takeaway

If kids like fruits and vegetables more and have them available at home, they are likely to eat more of them.

Methodology

The study used a longitudinal design with baseline and two follow-up measurements, analyzing data from two intervention studies.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data may introduce bias due to social desirability.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which may lead to social desirability bias, and the time intervals between measurements were relatively long.

Participant Demographics

Children aged 9-12 years, with a mix of genders and ethnic backgrounds.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.64 – 5.09

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1479-5868-5-21

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