Associations between perceived parent behaviors and middle school student fruit and vegetable consumption

J Nutr Educ Behav. 2004 Jan-Feb;36(1):2-8. doi: 10.1016/s1499-4046(06)60122-x.

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether (1) student perceptions of parent behaviors explain variations in fruit and vegetable consumption, (2) self-efficacy mediates this relationship, and (3) perceived home fruit and vegetable availability moderates this relationship.

Design: A cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Classrooms in 3 middle schools in 2 northeast Georgia counties.

Participants: 366 middle school students. The response and participation rates were 59% and 56%, respectively.

Variables measured: Perceived authoritative parenting, perceived parent control, perceived parent modeling, perceived parent support, self-efficacy, perceived fruit and vegetable availability, and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Analysis: Hierarchical multiple regression; P <.05.

Results: Perceived parent modeling, perceived parent support, self-efficacy, and perceived fruit and vegetable availability were significant predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption. The relationship between perceived parent support and fruit and vegetable consumption was mediated by self-efficacy. The relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and both perceived parent modeling and support was moderated by perceived fruit and vegetable availability.

Conclusions and implications: Parents appear to moderately influence middle school student fruit and vegetable consumption. Educators might focus on improving home fruit and vegetable availability and student self-efficacy, as well as parent support and modeling. The level of availability might indicate where efforts should focus for enhancing parent behaviors.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet Surveys
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Fruit* / supply & distribution
  • Georgia
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Schools
  • Self Efficacy
  • United States
  • Vegetables* / supply & distribution