Stage of change toward “9-a-day” not “5-a-day” is associated with lower body weight

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the students’ stage of change (SOC) for fruits and vegetables (FV) consumption using the 5-a-day and 9-a-day patterns; to validate a tool to measure SOC for consuming 5-a-day and 9-a-day of FV; and to investigate the relationship between SOC for FV consumption and body weight among Jordanian college students.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted and included a convenient sample of 788 college students (47.7 per cent men and 52.2 per cent women) who completed validated questionnaires which included socio-demographic data, readiness to consume 5-a-day and 9-a-day servings of FV daily and FV consumption behaviors. Students’ heights and weights were measured. SOC for participants was examined using reparation, contemplation, pre-contemplation, action and maintenance stages.

Findings

A majority (69.9 per cent) of college students were in the pre-contemplation stage with regard to 9-a-day behavior. Females tended to be classified in the action stage more than males (P < 0.001). After controlling for age, gender and energy consumption, a significant (P < 0.05) inverse relationship was found between maintenance or action SOC for consuming 9-a-day behavior and body mass index (BMI). A large proportion of college students were in a pre-action stage for either consuming 5-a-day or 9-a-day of FV. Those students who followed the 9-a-day recommendations had significantly (P < 0.05) lower BMI values that those students in the pre-action stages.

Originality/value

The current study is genuine and original, and valuable in designing new strategies in lowering obesity and its comorbidities.

Citation

Bawadi, H., Tayyem, R., Muhanna, S., Tuuri, G., Keenan, M.J., Faris, M. and Losso, J. (2017), "Stage of change toward “9-a-day” not “5-a-day” is associated with lower body weight", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 47 No. 6, pp. 829-838. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-04-2017-0079