Fruit and vegetable intake, stages of change, and self-efficacy: A comparison between German and American college students

<p>This study compared the fruit and vegetable intake between German and American college students and examined differences in the stages of change distribution and self-efficacy expectations. The study sample consisted of 457 students. Each subject completed a demographic survey, a ten-item fruit and vegetable screener, a Stages of Change algorithm, and a self-efficacy tool. Results showed a daily fruit and vegetable intake of 6.2, and 6.6 servings per day at the University of Applied Sciences and American University, respectively (p = 0.231). Individuals in the action stages consumed more fruits and vegetables a day than those in the preaction stages (p < 0.001). A linear increase in self-efficacy expectations from the preaction stages to the later stages of change was found. The results suggest that the algorithm is effective for staging different college populations; however, a two-stage algorithm is recommended. Also, self-efficacy expectations are important to increase fruit and vegetable intake.</p>