Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #114039

Susan E. Middlestadt, PhD, Applied Health Science, Indiana University, 116 HPER, Bloomington, IN 47405, 812/856-5768, semiddle@indiana.edu

Background. Formative research that is rapid, can be easily adapted, and can be put in the hands of program planners should facilitate the use of evidence in designing programs. Data on factors underlying the performance of the particular behavior in the particular population can provide program planners with vital information. The presentation will illustrate rapid theory-based formative research on eating fruits and vegetables among students many of whom are experiencing new barriers. Method. A self-completion elicitation instrument assessing three constructs from several theories of behavior was completed by 90 graduate and undergraduate students. Six open-ended questions asked about eating at least five fruits and vegetables each day: two to elicit behavioral beliefs, two normative beliefs, and two control beliefs. Content analysis revealed salient consequences, referent groups, and circumstances. Cross-tabulations compared percent mentioning each benefit or barrier among those who did and did not eat at least five in the past day. Results. The belief that eating fruits and vegetables provides vitamins, the most frequently mentioned advantage, did not differentiate doers from non-doers. However, doers were more likely than non-doers to mention getting fiber; non-doers were more likely to mention stomach problems and unbalanced diet. Additional barriers included availability, time for buying and preparing, cost, and freshness. Implications. Ways to move from research to program will be demonstrated. For example, these data identify which beliefs should emphasized and suggest special attention to strategies that increase the availability of fresh, high quality fruits and vegetables in and outside of the home.

Learning Objectives:

• The learner will be able to describe an innovative approach to identifying the benefits and barriers to a health behavior
• The learner will be able to identify key benefits and barriers for one specific health behavior relevant to chronic disease, eating fruits and vegetables

Keywords: Behavioral Research, Health Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.