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A Qualitative Assessment of the Knowledge of Fruit and Vegetable Health Benefits among Preschoolers
Author(s) -
Wetherill Erin Brooke,
CarrawayStage Virginia,
Goodell L. Suzanne
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.989.4
Subject(s) - environmental health , cognition , childhood obesity , health benefits , obesity , qualitative property , psychology , cognitive development , medicine , overweight , traditional medicine , neuroscience , machine learning , computer science
Obesity in children has become an increasing issue in the United States. Dietary habits are developed through exposure and most children do not meet the recommended guidelines for fruits and vegetable intake; 42% of 2 year olds and 50% of 5 year olds consumes less than 2 servings per day. Research concerning the knowledge of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables among preschool children is limited. The purpose of this qualitative study was to establish baseline data on what preschool children know about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables through the use of cognitive interviews. A small sample of children 3–5 years of age from low‐income families, were chosen to participate in the study. Children were asked three open‐ended questions to analyze their knowledge of health benefits related to eating fruits and vegetables. Responses were recorded and coded for interpretation of the data. Information obtained from the cognitive interviews will be used to develop a practical, reliable, and valid method for evaluation of fruit and vegetable knowledge among preschool aged children.