A stage-of-change classification system based on actions and beliefs regarding dietary fat and fiber.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to develop a stage-of-change classification system and to determine the degree to which various adult subgroups have adopted the behavioral changes necessary to achieve a low-fat and/or high-fiber diet as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.


METHODS
The study used a mail survey randomly sent to 7110 adults.


METHODS
The survey was conducted in 11 states and the District of Columbia.


METHODS
The random sample included males and females over age 18. Of the eligible respondents, 3198 (51.5%) were included in this analysis, with 2004 and 2066 unambiguously classified into stages of change for fat and fiber, respectively.


METHODS
Stage of change was defined by an algorithm based on self-reported intent and behaviors to limit fat and/or increase fiber.


RESULTS
45% of the respondents were classified as being in action/maintenance for fat and 38% for fiber. Women, older adults, individuals with advanced education, persons with diet-related chronic disease, people with higher levels of relevant nutrition knowledge and attitudes, and persons who indicated that health concerns were a primary influence on their diet were more likely to be in action/maintenance than other respondents.


CONCLUSIONS
The algorithm in this study presents a model that more closely reflects the proportions of the adult population that have achieved low-fat diets and classifies a greater proportion in the preparation stage than classification systems in previous studies.
Auld
G W
GW
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA.
Nitzke
S A
SA
McNulty
J
J
Bock
M A
MA
Bruhn
C M
CM
Gabel
K
K
Lauritzen
G
G
Lee
Y F
YF
Medeiros
D
D
Newman
R
R
Ortiz
M
M
Read
M
M
Schutz
H
H
Sheehan
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires