FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION IN MISSOURI - KNOWLEDGE, BARRIERS ANDBENEFITS

Objective: To examine psychobehavioral variables associated with daily fruit and vegetable intake in Missouri using constructs from the Heal th BeliefModel. Methods: Statewide telephone survey of 4,385 adults. R esults: 25.9% of adults reported eating at least 5 daily servings of f ruits and vegetables. Perceived barriers were most strongly associated with a low fruit and vegetable intake, particularly time and effort f or food preparation, and dining out. 64% respondents found recommendat ions on healthy eating confusing. Conclusion: Fruit and vegetable inta ke among Missouri adults remains below the Health People 2000 objectiv es. Efforts ape needed to clarify recommendations and improve availabi lity of healthy eating options.