Does health literacy affect fruit and vegetable consumption? An assessment of the relationship between health literacy and dietary practices among college students. Issue 1 (14th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oberne, Alison; Vamos, Cheryl; Wright, Lauri; Wang, Wei; Daley, Ellen
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 141
• Publication Date: 2022-02-14
• Subjects: Diet -- health literacy -- health promotion; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1727911
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To explore the association between health literacy and fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among college students. Participants: In 2018, undergraduate students from a large, southeastern university were recruited to participate in this study. Methods : Participants ( n = 436) completed an online survey assessing health literacy, F&V intake, and personal, situational, and societal and environmental determinants of health literacy. Results: There was a significant association between general health literacy, F (2, 161.54) = 6.52, p < .001; disease prevention health literacy, F (2, 214.22) = 4.788, p < .01; and health promotion health literacy, F (2, 138.35) = 5.53, p < .01 with F&V consumption. Students with excellent health literacy consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables than students with limited health literacy. Conclusions: Health literacy may play an important role in F&V consumption among college students. Future research should explore the relationship between the health literacy and dietary practice decision-making to inform intervention development among college students.