Psychological factors associated with fruit and vegetable intake and with biomarkers in adults from a low-income neighborhood

Andrew Steptoe, Linda Perkins-Porras, Catherine McKay, Elisabeth Rink, Sean Hilton, Francesco P. Cappuccio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Fruit and vegetable consumption is below recommended levels in the population, particularly in low-income groups. This study assessed factors associated with self-reported intake and 2 biomarkers (potassium excretion and plasma vitamin C) in 271 adults living in a low-income neighborhood. Attitudinal barriers to change were negatively related to reported intake and to potassium excretion. Poor knowledge of recommended consumption was associated with low reported intake, low potassium excretion, and low plasma vitamin C concentration. Self-efficacy was related to reported intake but not to biomarkers. The authors conclude that several of the psychological factors associated with self-reported intake were also related to biomarkers in this population and that these may therefore be particularly appropriate targets for intervention.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)148-155
Number of pages8
JournalHealth Psychology
Volume22
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2003

Keywords

  • Attitudes
  • Dietary knowledge
  • Fruit
  • Potassium excretion
  • Vegetables
  • Vitamin C

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