Examining neighborhood and interpersonal norms and social support on fruit and vegetable intake in low-income communities

• Main Authors: Akilah Dulin (Author), Patricia M. Risica (Author), Jennifer Mello (Author), Rashid Ahmed (Author), Kate B. Carey (Author), Michelle Cardel (Author), Chanelle J. Howe (Author), Sarah Nadimpalli (Author), Kim M. Gans (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2018-04-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Abstract Background We examined whether neighborhood-, friend-, and family- norms and social support for consumption and purchase of fruits and vegetables (F&V) were associated with F&V intake among low-income residents in subsidized housing communities. We examined baseline data from a study ancillary to the Live Well/Viva Bien intervention. Participants included 290 residents in four low-income subsidized housing sites who were ≥ 18 years of age, English and/or Spanish speaking, and without medical conditions that prevented consumption of F&V. Methods Linear regression models examined associations of norms and social support with F&V intake after adjustments for sociodemographic characteristics. Results In the analysis, neighborhood social support for F&V was associated with a 0.31 cup increase in F&V intake (95% CI = 0.05, 0.57). The family norm for eating F&V and family social support for eating F&V were associated with a 0.32 cup (95% CI = 0.13, 0.52) and 0.42 cup (95% CI = 0.19, 0.64) increase in F&V intake, respectively. Conclusions To our knowledge, no other studies have examined neighborhood, family, and peer norms and social support simultaneously and in relation to F&V intake. These findings may inform neighborhood interventions and community-level policies to reduce neighborhood disparities in F&V consumption.

Item Description

10.1186/s12889-018-5356-2
1471-2458