Using MyPyramid.gov to test fruit and vegetable knowledge

Purpose: In the United States, fruit and vegetable intake is low and appropriate behaviors to increase consumption have not been adopted by some population groups. The USDA MyPyramid.gov website was created to deliver nutrition education information on healthy eating and physical activity. This study was designed to test fruit and vegetable knowledge among individuals attending a health and fitness expo.

Methods: An interactive computerized three-stage test was created. Stage one (pre-test) included 5 questions on the classification of fruits and vegetables, amounts needed for optimal health, quantity to be consumed, cup equivalents, and important sources of nutrients. These questions matched the information provided on the MyPyramid.gov website. For stage two, each respondent navigated through the website at their leisure to learn additional information. Afterwards, the five questions were repeated for stage 3 (post-test).

Results: A total of 167 residents of Maryland (49%), Virginia (28%), the District of Columbia (19%) and other non-identified states (4%) completed the test. Most of the respondents were female and were aged 19 and older. Forty-seven percent of the respondents identified themselves as African-American, 33% as White, 4% as Hispanic and 16% as other. Fourteen percent of the respondents on the pre-test and 29% on the post-test could identify quantities to be consumed for fruit; 10% could identify the amount on the pre-test and 23% on the post-test for vegetables.

Conclusion: Respondents increased their nutrition knowledge when reviewing MyPyramid.gov between pre- and post-tests.