The Relationship between Self-Efficacy, Attitudes, Intake Compared to Others, Consumption, and Stages of Change Related to Fruit and Vegetables

Purpose. This study examined whether eating practices and psychosocial factors differed across stages of change for fruit and vegetables. Design. Data were collected using a self-administered written survey among a convenience sample of 739 Dutch adults. Response rate was 92%. Setting. Data were collected as part of the baseline assessment for a nutrition intervention study. Measures. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured as self-reported consumption with a validated eight-item food frequency questionnaire. Psychosocial variables were measured with six items on bipolar seven-point scales and stage-of-change classifications were based on separate four-item algorithms for fruits and vegetables. Differences in psychosocial factors and consumption were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Scheffé's multiple-comparison test. Results. Significant differences were found between stages of change in dietary intake, attitudes, self-efficacy, and judgment of one's own intake compared to others. Attitudes were most positive in preparation and action and least positive in precontemplation. Intake and self-efficacy were more positive in action/maintenance than in pre-action stages. Conclusions. The findings suggest that nutrition education aimed at encouraging higher intake of fruits and vegetables might be most effective if it is stage-tailored. Messages to influence attitudes about fruits and vegetables are likely to affect people in precontemplation, and self-efficacy information to increase confidence in overcoming barriers to consumption is likely to be effective with persons in contemplation and preparation stages.