Approximately one-third of the 500,000 cancer-related deaths that occur each year in the United States are attributable to dietary factors. The major sources of problems include over-consumption of fat and calories, and insufficient consumption of fiber, fruits, and vegetables. As a result, dietary guidelines suggest targeting the following behaviors: choosing a diet low in fat, saturated fat, & cholesterol; choosing a diet with plenty of grain products, complex carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables; choosing a diet moderate in sugars, salt and sodium; eating a variety of foods; drinking in moderation; eating a balanced diet; and, balancing food intake with physical activity and weight maintenance. Interventions designed to prevent disease and promote healthier lifestyles target behaviors in the following domains: food purchasing, preparation, and consumption. Despite attempts to target behaviors in multiple domains, the outcome behavior most typically measured in these interventions involves some aspect of food consumption, via the use of a food frequency questionnaire and/or dietary recall. There is little to no information on how precursors to food consumption, specifically food purchasing and preparation, should be conceptualized and assessed in research investigations. This presentation will provide a framework for measuring food-related behaviors across the three domains. Efforts are needed to test the relative changeability of behaviors and ultimately to identify those behaviors that are likely to lead to the desired outcome. Clearly, there is no argument that the ultimate goal is to change nutrient levels. However, understanding the degree of changeability of a behavior may facilitate attempts at nutrition-related behavior change.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1) recognize the importance of measuring specific behaviors; 2)identify a framework for measuring food-related behaviors; 3) discuss the implications of targeting specific behaviors for change
Keywords: Dietary Assessment, Behavioral Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.