Mediation of Adult Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in the National 5 A Day for Better Health Community Studies (original) (raw)

Background The 5 A Day for Better Health community studies demonstrated in randomized trials the efficacy of population-based strategies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in diverse geographic areas and settings. Purpose Mediation analysis can help to elucidate the theoretical basis of changing dietary habits. This is important for informing more powerful cancer prevention and control interventions to achieve broad public health impact. Methods Five sites that focused on adults were included in mediation analyses to determine whether theoretically derived constructs assessed at baseline and follow-up contributed to explaining change in fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption. These variables were knowledge, selfefficacy, and autonomy/responsibility. Stage of change also was considered as a potential moderating variable.