Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111611

John D. Prochaska, MPH, Social and Behavioral Health, TAMHSC School of Rural Public Health, 1103 University Dr., Suite 200, College Station, TX 77840, 979-458-2237, jdprochaska@srph.tamhsc.edu, Joseph R. Sharkey, PhD, MPH, RD, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, 1103 University Drive, Suite 203, College Station, TX 77840, Marcia G. Ory, PhD, MPH, School of Rural Public Health - Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Texas A & M University System Health Science Center, 1103 University Dr., Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840, Kate L. Barron, BS, School of Rural Public Health - Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, 1103 University Dr., Suite 205, College Station, TX 77840, and James N. Burdine, Dr PH, Community Health Development Program, School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1103 University Drive, Suite 100, College Station, TX 77840.

Objectives: To determine the proportion of rural older adults who did not meet minimum public health recommendations for daily intakes of fruits or vegetables, and to examine the sociodemographic correlates of vegetable or fruit intake in a random sample of older adults in six rural Texas counties. Methods: Using random-digit dialed telephone recruitment screening, sociodemographic and dietary intake data from the 201 older rural adults (aged ³ 60 years) completing the follow-up mailed survey were analyzed to determine proportions of the sample that did not meet Dietary Guidelines for fruit or vegetable intake. Multiple variable linear regression models were used to examine the association between sample characteristics and fruit or vegetable intake. Results: Sixty-six percent of this older, rural sample did not meet minimum recommended vegetable intakes of 3 servings per day; 65% failed to meet minimum recommended fruit intake of 2 servings per day. After controlling for covariates, increased vegetable intake was significantly associated with being female or reporting an increased income; increased fruit intake was associated with being female or with increasing age. Conclusions: These results reveal that approximately 2/3 of rural older adults in this sample did not consume minimum recommended levels for either fruits or vegetables. Since daily intake of fruits and vegetables are associated with health outcomes, it is important to identify those at highest risk. In-depth research is needed to identify social, environmental, and other influences that serve as barriers to increased vegetable and fruit intake in rural areas, and rural urban differences.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the proportion of rural older adults who do not consume minimum levels of fruits or vegetables
• Explain the characteristics associated with increased fruit or vegetable intake among rural older adults

Keywords: Rural Populations, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation