Stage of change toward “9-a-day” not “5-a-day” is associated with lower body weight
Date
2017Author
Bawadi, HibaTayyem, Reema
Muhanna, Safaa
Tuuri, Georgianna
Keenan, Michael J.
Faris, Moez
Losso, Jack
...show more authors ...show less authors
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Purpose- This study aimed to assess the students’ stage of change (SOC) for fruits and
vegetables (FV) consumption using the 5-a-day and 9-a-day patterns; to validate a tool to
measure SOC for consuming 5-a-day and 9-a-day of FV; and to investigate the relationship
between SOC for FV consumption and body weight among Jordanian college students.
Design/methodology/approach- A cross-sectional study was conducted, and included a
convenient sample of 788 college students (47.7% men and 52.2% women) who completed
validated questionnaires which included socio-demographic data, readiness to consume 5-a-day
and 9-a-day servings of FV daily, and FV consumption behaviors. Students' heights and weights
were measured. SOC for participants was examined using reparation, contemplation, precontemplation,
action, and maintenance stages.
Findings- The majority (69.9%) of the participants were in the pre-contemplation stage with
regard to 9-a-day behavior. Women tended to be classified in the action stage more than men
(P<0.001). More than 80% of participants were in a pre-action stage for either consuming 5-a-day
or 9-a-day of FV. After controlling for age, gender, and energy consumption, a significant
(P<0.05) participants inverse relationship was found between maintenance or action stage of
change for consuming 9-a-day behavior and BMI. Students in the maintenance stage for 9-a-day
had significantly (P=0.03) lower BMI values that those students in the pre-action stages
(23.1±3.9 and 22.5±3.3 respectively). The relationship was not valid for the 5 a day behavior
(P=0.1)
Originality/value- The current study is genuine and original, and valuable in designing new
strategies in lowering obesity and its comorbidities.
DOI/handle
http://hdl.handle.net/10576/5931Collections
- Human Nutrition [371 items ]