Defining stage of change for lower-fat eating.
OBJECTIVE
To test the validity of staging methodology for dietary fat reduction by examining cognitive profiles of persons classified in these groups: precontemplation, lowerfat maintenance (< or = 30% of energy as fat), and higher-fat maintenance (> 30% of energy as fat).


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 491 women residing in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, recruited by telephone.


METHODS
Mean age of subjects was 43.7 +/- 12.2 years. The majority (58%) lived with a spouse or partner and had completed high school (68%).


METHODS
Multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare the pros and cons of lower-fat eating, level of self-efficacy in avoiding high-fat foods, and use of 9 processes of change to support lower-fat eating habits in women assigned to the precontemplation, higher-fat, and lower-fat maintenance stages.


RESULTS
When compared with subjects classified in the precontemplation stage, the 2 groups of subjects in the maintenance stage had higher ratings of the pros (49.7 +/- 9.5 vs 43.7 +/- 7.2, P < .05), lower ratings of the cons (47.2 +/- 8.2 vs 51.9 +/- 11.8, P < .05), higher self-efficacy scores, and more frequent use of processes of change than subjects classified in the precontemplation stage. No differences between women in the 2 maintenance groups were observed in self-efficacy; however, those in the lower-fat maintenance group reported lower cons than those in the higher-fat maintenance group (46.2 +/- 7.2 vs 48.2 +/- 9.1, P < .05) and more frequent use of all processes of change.


CONCLUSIONS
Stage of change for dietary fat reduction is a cognitive variable that provides insights into attitudes about and motivations to consume lower-fat foods.
Ounpuu
S
S
Department of Family Studies, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Woolcott
D M
DM
Greene
G W
GW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D003071:Cognition; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D015930:Diet Records; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000523:psychology*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000009:adverse effects; D004522:Educational Status; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009864:Ontario; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004041:Dietary Fats