An examination of sociodemographic, health, psychological factors, and fruit and vegetable consumption among overweight and obese U.S. veterans

Mil Med. 2011 Nov;176(11):1281-6. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-11-00021.

Abstract

A diet high in fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) is associated with decreased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. This study investigated the relationship between sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial factors and F&V consumption among overweight and obese U.S. veterans. Participants were recruited from two Veterans Affairs medical center sites in 2005. Two hundred eighty-nine participants completed a self-administered survey. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression models were built to examine the association between sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial variables and F&V consumption. Older age (B = 0.01; p < 0.001) and being Black (B = -0.18; p < 0.05) were related to increased F&V consumption. Reported tobacco use was inversely associated with F&V consumption (B = -0.30; p < 0.01). Greater self-efficacy (B = 0.07; p < 0.05), fewer perceived barriers (B = -0.14; p < 0.01), and correct knowledge of recommended daily F&V intake (B = 0.12; p <0.05) were related to eating more F&Vs. U.S. veterans disproportionately experience overweight and obese conditions. Age, race, tobacco use, and psychosocial factors should be considered carefully when developing dietary interventionsamong overweight ana obese U.S. veterans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diet*
  • Female
  • Fruit
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Overweight / epidemiology*
  • Overweight / prevention & control
  • Overweight / psychology
  • Self Report
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Social Support
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Vegetables
  • Veterans* / psychology
  • Veterans* / statistics & numerical data