According to the authors of recent research from New York City, New York, 'This study tested the effects of two theory-based interventions to increase fruit and vegetable intake. Hypothesized intervention mediators included self-efficacy (SE), social support (SS), autonomous motivation (AM), and controlled motivation (CM).'
'At baseline, 1,021 African American adults were recruited from 16 churches randomized to one comparison and two intervention groups: Group 1 (standard educational materials), Group 2 (culturally targeted materials), and Group 3 (culturally targeted materials and telephone-based motivational interviewing). A well-fitted model based on structural equation modeling-chi(2)(df = 541, N = 353, 325) = 864.28, p< .001, normed fit index = .96, nonnormed fit index = .98, comparative fit index = .98, root mean square error of approximation = .042-demonstrated that AM was both a significant mediator and moderator. In the subgroup with low baseline AM, AM mediated 17% of the effect of the Group 3 intervention on fruit and vegetable intake. Conversely, SS, SE, and CM were not significant mediators,' wrote A.R. Shaikh and colleagues, University of Rochester.
The researchers concluded: 'Implications related to theory and intervention development are discussed.'
Shaikh and colleagues published their study in Health Education & Behavior (Direct and Mediated Effects of Two Theoretically Based Interventions to Increase Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in the Healthy Body Healthy Spirit Trial. Health Education & Behavior, 2011;38(5):492-501).
For additional information, contact A.R. Shaikh, University of Rochester, New York City, NY, United States.
Publisher contact information for the journal Health Education & Behavior is: Sage Publications Inc., 2455 Teller Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
Keywords: City:New York City, State:New York, Country:United States, Region:North and Central America, Health Education Research
This article was prepared by Education Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Education Letter via VerticalNews.com.
