title: The relationship between self-efficacy, attitudes, intake compared to others, consumption, and stages of change related to fruit and vegetables.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined whether eating practices and psychosocial factors differed across stages of change for fruit and vegetables.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected using a self-administered written survey among a convenience sample of 739 Dutch adults. Response rate was 92%.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected as part of the baseline assessment for a nutrition intervention study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fruit and vegetable intake was measured as self-reported consumption with a validated eight-item food frequency questionnaire. Psychosocial variables were measured with six items on bipolar seven-point scales and stage-of-change classifications were based on separate four-item algorithms for fruits and vegetables. Differences in psychosocial factors and consumption were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Scheffé's multiple-comparison test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences were found between stages of change in dietary intake, attitudes, self-efficacy, and judgment of one's own intake compared to others. Attitudes were most positive in preparation and action and least positive in precontemplation. Intake and self-efficacy were more positive in action/maintenance than in pre-action stages.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that nutrition education aimed at encouraging higher intake of fruits and vegetables might be most effective if it is stage-tailored. Messages to influence attitudes about fruits and vegetables are likely to affect people in precontemplation, and self-efficacy information to increase confidence in overcoming barriers to consumption is likely to be effective with persons in contemplation and preparation stages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Education and Promotion, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brug
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Glanz
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kok
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D014675:Vegetables