Influential factors in fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income U.S. women Público

Stallings, Tiffany Lynn (2012)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/4j03d053r?locale=pt-BR
Published

Abstract


Consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) is below recommended amounts in the United States and intake is generally lower among low-income individuals. Previous research has indicated that recipients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
(WIC) had higher F&V intake than WIC non-recipients with similar incomes (≤185% of the Poverty Index Ratio (PIR)). Other studies found WIC recipients who participated in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) increased F&V intake and learned nutrition competencies. This dissertation included three analyses that examined factors influencing F&V consumption and the nutrition environment among low-income women.


The first analysis used data from the Infant Feeding Practice Study II to examine variation in F&V intake recipients/ ≤185% of PIR, WIC non-recipients/≤185% of PIR, and >185% of PIR) among pregnant and postpartum women using Kruskal-Wallis tests and logistic regression. In general, F&V intakes were found to be lowest among NonWIC/≤185% PIR and only prenatal vegetable consumption varied (p=0.04). Additionally, postnatal F&V intake was higher among breastfeeding than non-breastfeeding women (fruit: p<0.0001; vegetable: p=0.006).


The second analysis used data from the Emory WIC FMNP study to examine influences of the FMNP on F&V intake and nutrition knowledge and competencies using bivariate analyses and logistic regression. Study participants received WIC food vouchers and nutrition education, and the FMNP group received $30 of F&V coupons. Nutrition knowledge and F&V intake did not significantly vary participants reported learning new F&V competencies and these participants increased F&V consumption (p=0.03).

The third analysis also used data from the Emory WIC FMNP study to explore the agreement between perceived and actual nutrition environment measures of F&V availability, quality, and affordability/price using kappa statistics and sensitivity/specificity. All agreements were poor (kappa values<0.3).

My study findings of higher F&V intake among WIC recipients could support increased efforts to inform WIC non-recipients/≤185% of PIR that they may meet remaining eligibility requirements for WIC benefits. Also, the Emory WIC FMNP study results could support WIC-led nutrition education programs to teach nutrition competencies and the nutrition environment.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Importance of Fruit and Vegetable Intake... 1
References: Chapter 1... 55
Chapter 2: Project 1 Maternal Nutrition Knowledge and Competencies and Fruit and Vegetable Intake of Mother and Child... 69
Appendix: Chapter 2... 195
References: Chapter 2... 206
Chapter 3: Project 2 Actual and Perceived Nutrition Environments of Fresh, Canned, and Frozen Fruits and Vegetables... 213
Appendix: Chapter 3... 272
References: Chapter 3... 276
Chapter 4: Project 3 Examination of Prenatal and Postnatal Fruit and Vegetable Intake by WIC/Poverty-Level Status... 280
Appendix: Chapter 4... 315
References: Chapter 4... 336
Chapter 5: Dissertation Summary... 340
References: Chapter 5... 350





About this Dissertation

Rights statement
  • Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.
School
Department
Degree
Submission
Language
  • English
Research Field
Palavra-chave
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor
Committee Members
Última modificação

Primary PDF

Supplemental Files