A STAGE-OF-CHANGE CLASSIFICATION-SYSTEM BASED ON ACTIONS AND BELIEFS REGARDING DIETARY-FAT AND FIBER

Purpose. The objectives of this study were to develop a stnge-of-chang e classification system and to determine the degree to which various a dult subgroups have adopted the behavioral changes necessary to achiev e a low-fat and/or high-fiber diet as recommended by the Dietary Guide lines for Americans. Design. The study used a mail survey randomly sen t to 7110 adults. Setting. The survey was conducted in II states and t he District of Columbia. Subjects. The random sample included males an d females over age 18. Of the eligible respondents, 3198 (51.5%) were included in this analysis, with 2004 and 2066 unambiguously classified into stages of change for fat and fiber, respectively. Measures. Stag e of change was defined by an algorithm based on self-reported intent and behaviors to limit fat and/or increase fiber. Results. 45 % of the respondents were classified as being in action/maintenance for fat an d 38 % for fiber. Women, older adults, individuals with advanced educa tion, persons with diet-related chronic disease, people with higher le vels of relevant nutrition knowledge and attitudes, and persons who in dicated that health concerns were a primary influence on their diet we re more likely to be in action/maintenance than other respondents. Con clusions. The algorithm in this study presents a model that more close ly reflects the proportions of the adult population that have achieved low-fat diets and classifies a greater proportion in the preparation stage than classification systems in previous studies.