Changes in Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors Related to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Western Australian Adults from 1995 to 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We monitored changes in self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fruit and vegetable consumption in Western Australia prior to and after a healthful-eating campaign. METHODS: We obtained telephone survey data from 2854 adults in Perth from Nutrition Monitoring Surveys conducted in 1995, 1998, 2001, and 2004. The "Go for 2&5" fruit and vegetable campaign was implemented from 2002 to 2005. RESULTS: We observed changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fruit and vegetable intake. In 2004, respondents were more likely than in 1995 to report 2 servings of fruit (odds ratio [OR] = 3.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.85, 4.70) and 5 servings of vegetables (OR = 4.50; 95% CI = 3.49, 5.80) per day as optimal. Despite this, vegetable consumption in 2004 was less than in 1995 (rate ratio = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.82, 0.96; P = .003). Perceived adequacy of vegetable (59.3%) or fruit (34.5%) intake and insufficient time for vegetable preparation (14.3%) were the main barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the recommended fruit and vegetable intake increased following the Go for 2&5 campaign. Perceptions of the adequacy of current intake and time scarcity should be considered when designing nutrition interventions.