Psychosocial and demographic predictors of fruit, juice and vegetable consumption among 11–14-year-old Boy Scouts

Abstract

AbstractObjectivePsychosocial and demographic correlates of fruit, juice and vegetable (FJV) consumption were investigated to guide how to increase FJV intake.DesignHierarchical multiple regression analysis of FJV consumption on demographics and psychosocial variables.SettingHouston, Texas, USA.SubjectsBoys aged 11–14 years (n= 473).ResultsFJV preference and availability were both significant predictors of FJV consumption, controlling for demographics and clustering of Boy Scout troops. Vegetable self-efficacy was associated with vegetable consumption. The interaction of preference by home availability was a significant predictor of FJV. The interaction of self-efficacy by home availability showed a trend towards significantly predicting vegetable consumption. No significant interactions were found between body mass index and the psychosocial variables.ConclusionsFindings suggest that future interventions emphasising an increase in preference, availability and efficacy may increase consumption of FJV in similar populations.