Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Clarence Schumaker

Abstract

Low fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption has been documented and is associated with increased risk of chronic disease. Previous studies have revealed that consuming the recommended servings of F/V per day can be influenced by many determinants including healthy eating self-efficacy, cooking confidence, perceived family support, perceived access, perceived quality, and perceived cost of fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to examine these determinants of F/V consumption at the individual level of the socioecological model for adults ages 18 years and older residing in the panhandle of Nebraska. The socioecological model (SEM) provided the theoretical framework for this research. Data were collected using an electronic version of the Strong Women Follow-up Survey. The survey was distributed by the Panhandle Public Health District Listserv and online Facebook platform to adults from each of the 12 counties in the panhandle of Nebraska. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27 was used to conduct a bivariate linear regression and multiple linear regression analysis for research questions. A total of 139 sample participant responses were used for data analysis. Results showed that healthy eating self-efficacy was a significant determinant of F/V consumption which accounted for 10.4% of the variation of fruit consumption and 17.7% of the variation of vegetable consumption. All other independent variables revealed no statistical significance. The results suggested the need for further research of other determinants at higher SEM levels. Positive social change implications include tailoring of future interventions by researchers and Panhandle Public Health Department employees to improve the health of adults living in the panhandle of Nebraska.

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