Awareness and Use of MyPlate Among US Adults With Young Children

Abstract

Objective

To examine awareness, information-seeking, and use of MyPlate among US adults with young children.

Design

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Participants

US adults aged 18–45 years with children ≤5 years.

Variables measured

Adults reported sociodemographic characteristics and whether they had heard of MyPlate, looked online for MyPlate information, or tried to follow the MyPlate plan.

Analysis

Logistic regression models estimated MyPlate awareness, information-seeking, and use by sociodemographic characteristics. Analyses were weighted to represent adults with young children nationally.

Results

Twenty-nine percent of US adults with young children were aware of MyPlate. MyPlate awareness was lower among men, racial/ethnic minorities, adults with less education, adults who speak a language other than English, and SNAP/WIC recipients. Among those who knew of MyPlate, 39% sought MyPlate information online, and 33% had tried to use the MyPlate plan. Men were less likely to look online for or follow the MyPlate plan than women. Mexican-American adults and WIC recipients were more likely to have tried to follow the MyPlate plan.

Conclusions

MyPlate is an underutilized resource among families with young children. Efforts are needed to disseminate and encourage the use of MyPlate, particularly among marginalized groups.