Predicting U.S. Adolescent Fruit and Vegetable Consumption: Which Socio-ecological Factors Matter?

Abstract

Multiple socio-ecological levels of influences are acknowledged for adolescent fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, but consensus is lacking regarding the strength of predictors. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine the relative influence of individual-, interpersonal-, and environmental-level variables on adolescent FV consumption among a nationally representative sample (n=1737). Individual-level factors were the strongest predictors: self-efficacy was strongest for fruit (Wald=17.702; p<0.001; OR=1.310) and vegetable consumption (Wald=25.267; p<.001; OR=1.381), while food preference was strongest for green salad consumption (Wald=80.362; p<.001; OR=1.590). Interpersonal and environmental-level factors, while still influential, had a smaller impact on adolescent FV consumption.