Theses and Dissertations

Laura Coats

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Byrd, Sylvia

Committee Member

Fountain, Brent

Committee Member

Buys, David

Committee Member

Rader, Nicole

Committee Member

Poe, Philip

Date of Degree

5-7-2016

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Nutrition

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that >5 servings of fruits and vegetables (F&V) per day improve health. Eighty-three percent of 18-24 year olds, including college students, do not meet recommendations. For the study, freshmen at MSU were recruited. Included freshmen (n=132), 6 percent, received a sociodemographic and intake survey. Eighty subjects, 61 percent, completed the survey. Of these subjects (n=33), 41 percent, participated in focus groups. X2 analyses assessed intake and sociodemographics. Paired t-test compared BMI and intake. Focus group analyses determined additional influences. Results indicated nine percent of subjects consumed >5 servings, and 23 percent of subjects consumed >3 servings. >3 servings was insignificant to sociodemographics. Significance occurred between income and french fry and salad, parental environment and french fry, and gender and white potatoes. Focus groups revealed additional factors influenced intake. In conclusion, F&V consumption was inadequate, placing students at health risks. Dietary interventions should address barriers other than sociodemographics.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/17771

Comments

Perry cafeteria||social cognitive theory||influences||race||fruits||vegetables||freshmen||dietary guidelines||gender||socioeconomic status||sociodemographics||education

Download

Share

COinS