Graduate Program

Family and Consumer Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2008

Thesis Director

Melanie Burns

Thesis Committee Member

Richard Wilkinson

Thesis Committee Member

Unknown

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the fruit and vegetable consumption among university students applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by examining a) university students' fruits and vegetables perceived intake b) university students' knowledge on benefits of fruits and vegetables intake; c) reason for limited intake of fruits and vegetables d) motivating factors that influence increased intake, e) who and/or what caused significant impact in decision making on eating fruit and vegetable. Three hundred fifty-six students participated in the study and completed a survey with 64 questions. The questionnaire was designed to assess knowledge on the benefits of fruit and vegetable, to determine motivating factors for consumption of, to determine challenges that hinder intake, to identify who and what influence daily consumption, and to assess frequency of fruit and vegetable intake. Descriptive statistic, t-test, and Pearson's correlation were used to analyze the collected data. The results showed that students seem to have knowledge on health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Health benefits were most frequently cited as a motivation for eating fruits and vegetables. Spoilage was the common barrier to low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Family members had a significant impact to influence in decision making on fruits and vegetables intake. In conclusion, university students still have inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables each day despite of their awareness of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables.

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