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

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.