Brian K Lo1, Christine Loui2, Sara C Folta3, Angela Flickinger4, Leah M Connor5, Evelyn Liu6, Sarah Megiel7, Rebecca A Seguin8. 1. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: bl592@cornell.edu. 2. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: cl735@cornell.edu. 3. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA. Electronic address: sara.folta@tufts.edu. 4. University of Wisconsin-Extension Rock County, 51 S Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545, USA. Electronic address: angela.flickinger@co.rock.wi.us. 5. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: lmc267@cornell.edu. 6. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: enl33@cornell.edu. 7. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: sm948@cornell.edu. 8. Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Electronic address: rs946@cornell.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In comparison to their urban and suburban counterparts, midlife and older rural women are less likely to consume adequate fruit and vegetables (F&V). The present study aimed to examine the relationships between psychological, social, and environmental factors and F&V intake among midlife and older rural women in the United States. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized data from 513 midlife and older rural women (mean age = 67.0, mean BMI = 26.8) living in 22 states. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between women's daily F&V intake and cooking confidence, healthy eating self-efficacy, perceived stress, healthy eating social support, and perceived food environment. RESULTS: Cooking confidence (p < 0.001) and healthy eating self-efficacy (p < 0.001) were positively associated with F&V intake. Perceived stress, healthy eating social support, and perceived food environment were not associated with F&V intake (p > 0.05). When all the independent variables were analyzed simultaneously, only healthy eating self-efficacy remained positively associated with F&V intake (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our study provide important information on the influences of rural women's healthy eating self-efficacy and cooking confidence on their F&V intake. Our results may be useful to inform and evaluate targeted strategies to improve the dietary health of rural women.
BACKGROUND: In comparison to their urban and suburban counterparts, midlife and older rural women are less likely to consume adequate fruit and vegetables (F&V). The present study aimed to examine the relationships between psychological, social, and environmental factors and F&V intake among midlife and older rural women in the United States. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized data from 513 midlife and older rural women (mean age = 67.0, mean BMI = 26.8) living in 22 states. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between women's daily F&V intake and cooking confidence, healthy eating self-efficacy, perceived stress, healthy eating social support, and perceived food environment. RESULTS: Cooking confidence (p < 0.001) and healthy eating self-efficacy (p < 0.001) were positively associated with F&V intake. Perceived stress, healthy eating social support, and perceived food environment were not associated with F&V intake (p > 0.05). When all the independent variables were analyzed simultaneously, only healthy eating self-efficacy remained positively associated with F&V intake (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our study provide important information on the influences of rural women's healthy eating self-efficacy and cooking confidence on their F&V intake. Our results may be useful to inform and evaluate targeted strategies to improve the dietary health of rural women.
Authors: Bernice C Yates; Carol H Pullen; Jonathan Bruce Santo; Linda Boeckner; Patricia A Hageman; Paul J Dizona; Susan Noble Walker Journal: Soc Sci Med Date: 2012-02-08 Impact factor: 4.634