Reported Motivations for and Locations of Healthy Eating among Georgia High School Students

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Reported Motivations for and Locations of Healthy Eating among Georgia High School Students
Language: English
Authors: Kumar, Gayathri S., Bryan, Michael, Bayakly, Rana, Drenzek, Cherie, Merlo, Caitlin, Perry, Geraldine S.
Source: Journal of School Health. May 2017 87(5):353-362.
Availability: Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2017
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: High School Students, Eating Habits, Health Behavior, National Surveys, Risk, Food, Nutrition, Student Attitudes, Geographic Location, Motivation
Geographic Terms: Georgia
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Youth Risk Behavior Survey
DOI: 10.1111/josh.12503
ISSN: 0022-4391
Abstract: Background: Understanding how youth perceive eating healthy foods can inform programs and policies that aim to improve healthy eating. We assessed the reasons for and the most common locations of eating healthy foods among Georgia's (GA) high school (HS) students. Methods: Using the 2013 GA HS Youth Risk Behavior Survey, we examined motivations for and locations of eating healthy foods by sociodemographic characteristics and daily fruit and vegetable intake. Weighted chi-square tests were used to examine differences in responses for each perception. Results: Nineteen percent of GA HS students consumed fruit =3 times/day and 11% consumed vegetables =3 times/day. The most frequently chosen response to motivations for eating healthy foods was the desire to be healthy (42%), followed by enjoying their taste (18%). The most likely location to eat healthy foods was at home (80%), followed by at school (13%). Conclulsions: GA HS students are most motivated to eat healthy foods by the desire to be healthy and their enjoyment of the taste of healthy foods. Incorporating messages that align with students' motivations to eat healthy foods could be considered when developing promotional programs/policies targeting healthy eating.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2017
Accession Number: EJ1136412
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Background: Understanding how youth perceive eating healthy foods can inform programs and policies that aim to improve healthy eating. We assessed the reasons for and the most common locations of eating healthy foods among Georgia's (GA) high school (HS) students. Methods: Using the 2013 GA HS Youth Risk Behavior Survey, we examined motivations for and locations of eating healthy foods by sociodemographic characteristics and daily fruit and vegetable intake. Weighted chi-square tests were used to examine differences in responses for each perception. Results: Nineteen percent of GA HS students consumed fruit =3 times/day and 11% consumed vegetables =3 times/day. The most frequently chosen response to motivations for eating healthy foods was the desire to be healthy (42%), followed by enjoying their taste (18%). The most likely location to eat healthy foods was at home (80%), followed by at school (13%). Conclulsions: GA HS students are most motivated to eat healthy foods by the desire to be healthy and their enjoyment of the taste of healthy foods. Incorporating messages that align with students' motivations to eat healthy foods could be considered when developing promotional programs/policies targeting healthy eating.
ISSN:0022-4391
DOI:10.1111/josh.12503