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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Andrea L. Paiva, PhD, Leanne M. Mauriello, PhD, Carol O. Cummins, MEd, MLIS, Mary Margaret Driskell, M P H, and Sharon J. Dyment, MPH. Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 755, West Kingston, RI 02892, 401-874-9066, apaiva@prochange.com

Consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a variety of health benefits, including reduced risk for certain illnesses and conditions. It also is an effective strategy for managing weight. Intake of fruits and vegetables negatively predicts BMI, and is associated with decreases in total energy intake. Despite the important benefits, very few people, including students, consume the recommended number of servings. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in consumption of fruits and vegetables and readiness to eat at least five servings per day from elementary school to college. Four samples of students completed paper and pencil surveys: elementary school (N=2296; mean age 10.11; 63.8% White, 51.9% male); middle school (N=1221; mean age 12.28; 62.7% White, 52.6% female); high school (N=1339; mean age 15.76; 70.7% White, 52.9% female), and college (N=401; mean age 18.86; 84.1% White, 80.5% female). The percentage of students reporting daily consumption of at least 5 servings (classification in Action or Maintenance) steadily declined across the ages, 35% elementary, 23.4% middle, 15.3% high, and 5.8% college. In addition, average daily servings declined, 3.08 elementary, 2.79 middle, 2.10 high, and 2.18 college. Chi Square tests examining differences in stage of change distributions and comparisons of mean level of Pros, Cons, and Self-efficacy scores across the age groups will be presented. These data exemplify the urgent need to promote fruits and vegetables to students of all ages. This presentation will include discussion about strategies for reversing the strikingly downward trend in consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Learning Objectives:

(1)Describe trends in consumption of fruits and vegetables and readiness to eat at least 5 a day from elementary school to college; (
• Learn about differences in how students across the ages report about the benefits drawbacks of eating at least 5 a day, and their levels of confidence to do so; (
• Brainstorm about age-specific strategies for promotion of fruits and vegetables.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation