ARS | Publication request: Validity and reliability of a dietary stages of change measure among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents

Submitted to: American Journal of Health Promotion
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: March 31, 2011
Publication Date: July 1, 2012
Citation: Di Noia, J., Mauriello, L., Byrd Bredbenner, C., Thompson, D. 2012. Validity and reliability of a dietary stages of change measure among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. American Journal of Health Promotion. 26(6):381-389.

Interpretive Summary: Theory-based behavior change strategies are needed to help increase fruit and vegetable consumption among youth. This study examined the relationship between strategies from the Transtheoretical Model and fruit and vegetable consumption among low income African-American adolescents. It was found that four strategies – consciousness raising, environmental reevaluation, helping relationships, and stimulus control – were associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among this group. The impact of this research is that it provides insight into strategies that may help at-risk youth eat more fruit and vegetables.

Technical Abstract: Studies of theoretically prescribed behavior change strategies associated with adequate fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption are lacking. This study sought to identify Transtheoretical Model processes of change associated with consumption of five daily servings of FVs among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents. Participants (N = 549) were administered measures of stages and processes of stage, and were ranked according to intake level based on their reported stage. Spearman correlations and independent samples t tests were used in cross-sectional analyses of the relationship between processes of change and FV consumption. Consciousness raising, environmental reevaluation, helping relationships and stimulus control processes were significantly correlated with FV consumption (p >/= .12; p < .01), and were used more often by youths who were consuming five daily servings of FVs relative to those who were not. Findings highlight the potential of these processes for increasing FV consumption in this population.