WHAT YOUNG-ADULTS SAY ABOUT FACTORS AFFECTING FOOD-INTAKE

Little research has been conducted examining the food choice behaviors of young adults. The few studies reported have been limited to colleg e students and used survey questionnaire techniques. This study sought to describe a broader sample of young adults and to gather informatio n about reasons for food choice behavior using a qualitative method. F ifty-seven focus group interviews were conducted across seven states w ith 270 young adult participants. The interviews were focussed on disc ussions of food-related behaviors. Across all states consistent respon ses were given regarding time constraints, financial barriers and heal th concerns impacting food choice. Varying responses between states se emed related to racial and ethnic differences among participants. Thes e results suggest that the effectiveness of efforts to promote positiv e food behavior change among young adults may be improved by incorpora ting means to overcome common barriers.