Motivators of and Barriers to Engagement in Healthy Eating Behaviors among non-Hispanic Black Adults.
The objective of this study was to determine if non-Hispanic Black adults' levels of endorsement of motivators and barriers related to healthy eating are significantly associated with their level of engagement in healthy eating and their perceived importance of healthy eating and if these investigated variables differ by gender, income, and/or age.



An assessment battery was completed by a cross-sectional sample of 207 non-Hispanic Black adults in Bronx, NY (54.1 % female; age: M = 38, SD = 14.12). Participants were recruited by culturally diverse data collectors at community-based locations within Bronx.



Building healthy eating into a routine was a significant motivator of healthy eating (p < 0.001), and having low self-control over eating behaviors was a significant barrier to healthy eating (p < 0.05). Importance ratings of healthy eating were positively associated with motivators to engaging in healthy eating (routine: p < 0.001; availability of healthy foods: p < 0.001; addressing medical issues: p < 0.001; convenience of eating healthy foods: p < 0.01). There were age and income differences in several motivators and barriers.



Intervention programs to increase healthy eating among adults similar to those in this study may benefit from including a focus on increasing self-control of eating behaviors and incorporating healthy eating into one's routine.
Counseling and Psychological Services, University at Albany, State University of New York, 400 Patroon Creek Blvd. Suite 104, Albany, NY, 12206, USA. senolan@albany.edu.
Sarah E M
SE
Nolan
Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Carolyn M
CM
Tucker
Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Delphia J
DJ
Flenar
Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Tya M
TM
Arthur
Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Tasia M
TM
Smith
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation
Barriers; Black adults; Healthy eating; Motivators