Impact of personal preference and motivation on fruit and vegetable consumption of WIC-participating mothers and children in Atlanta, GA.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of psychosocial and sociodemographic factors on consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) for women and children participating in the Atlanta Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.


METHODS
Participants (n = 249) were selected from 2 Atlanta Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children agencies. Data from this analysis were collected from in-person interviews. The dichotomous dependent variable was whether participants met recommended intakes for F&V. Independent variables were personal preference and motivation factors of F&V consumption, and sociodemographic factors. Bivariate analysis determined significant factors to include in logistic models.


RESULTS
Only 27.7% of mothers and 44.2% of their oldest child consumed > 5 servings of F&V daily. Not knowing how to prepare F&Vs and spoilage of F&V before eating them were significantly related to F&V consumption of mothers.


CONCLUSIONS
Food storage and preparation resulted in significant differences in meeting criteria for F&V consumption. Future initiatives should include cooking classes and emphasize food preparation techniques.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Electronic address: DavidYeeChen@gmail.com.
David Y
DY
Chen
Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Julie A
JA
Gazmararian
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D063105:Food Assistance; D005638:Fruit; D005845:Georgia; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014675:Vegetables; D055815:Young Adult
WIC; fruit; nutrition education; vegetable