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Examining Junior High and High School Students' Willingness to Consume Foods and Beverages Recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Author(s) -
Zawodniak Brittany,
Cater Melissa,
Miketinas Derek,
Tuuri Georgianna
Publication year - 2015
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.29.1_supplement.731.10
Subject(s) - exploratory factor analysis , cronbach's alpha , likert scale , medicine , psychology , chocolate milk , food science , environmental health , clinical psychology , psychometrics , developmental psychology , chemistry
Understanding adolescents' willingness to consume foods and beverages is important because preferences impact consumption. This study examined junior high and high school students' willingness to consume 9 foods and beverages recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines For Americans and 9 high fat and sugar alternatives to these items. 288 students completed the survey (67.4% junior high, 51.7% female, 76% white). Willingness data were gathered using a 4‐point Likert‐type scale ranging from “always unwilling” to “always willing,” with an option to select “never eaten.” Exploratory Factor Analysis using Principal Axis factoring with a Promax (oblique) rotation returned 3 factors. Factor 1 included ice cream, French fries, pizza, chips, fried chicken, donuts, and cookies (22.6% of the variance). Factor 2 included whole‐wheat pasta and whole‐wheat toast (13.5% of the variance). Factor 3 included 100% fruit juice, raw vegetables, and fresh fruit (6.6% of the variance). Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha (Factor 1 = .802, Factor 2 = .724, Factor 3 = .558). Group mean scores for Factors 2 and 3 were significantly higher for high school students compared to junior high students ( t = .47, p < .05 and t = .31, p < .001, respectively). This preliminary study provides valuable insight into food preference patterns, and therefore eating behaviors, of adolescents. Funded in part by Hatch Act Funds # LAB 93846