Which ecological determinants influence Australian children’s fruit and vegetable consumption?

Abstract

This study investigated determinants of fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among regional and remote Western Australian (WA) children, using an Ecological Model of Health Behaviour. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 key informants (Health Workers, Food Supply Workers, and School/Youth Workers) purposively sampled from across regional and remote WA. Interviews were transcribed, analysed thematically using QSR-NVivo 10 software, and embedded within an Ecological Model of Health Behaviour to demonstrate the multiple levels of influence on health. Key determinants of F&V consumption at the intrapersonal level included attitude and food literacy among children. Key interpersonal level determinants included role modelling and parental food literacy. Institutional determinants included health service provision, school nutrition education and food skill programs. F&V availability, community networks and health-promoting spaces were key themes affecting families at the community level. The public policy level influencer included implementation of a store policy within local food outlets. Study findings suggested participatory programs with an emphasis on parental involvement and role modelling could increase F&V intake among children living in regional and remote areas; while school curriculum linkages were essential for school-based programs. Policy makers should consider further investment in school food literacy programs and family programs that are delivered collaboratively. Further, support of local food supply options and support for healthy food policies in food outlets are critical next steps. This study contributes new knowledge to build the evidence base and facilitate the development of targeted strategies to increase consumption of F&V among children living in regional and remote areas.

Towards the Implementation of a Conceptual Framework of Food and Nutrition Literacy: Providing Healthy Eating for the Population

“…Moreover, they also addressed disadvantaged young individuals [37,56,61]. In line with the authors that focused on NL, these researchers which discussed FL considered some social factors that affected FL: socioeconomic level [3,38,56,57,62], education, and literacy [3,23,56,[62][63][64][65].…”

“…On the other hand, Ronto et al focused also on the school organization considering the presence and characteristics of school canteens [24,65], school kitchens [24], and the adherence to the National Healthy School Canteen Guidelines [64]. According to authors' point of view stated in eight papers, individuals closer to the subject (i.e., parents, teachers, and peers) may represent important elements to provide specific knowledge and competences to young people [56,57,[62][63][64][65]67,68]. In addition, the characteristics and factors of the home environment (i.e., family demographics) may influence individuals' FL [62][63][64][65].…”

“…Moreover, we identified some other antecedents of FL. Godrich et al [63] referred to the role of information coming from conventional media (television, school, magazines) and social media. Gilliland et al [69] described a smartphone app developed for improving access to and consumption of healthy and local food.…”

Are regional and remote Western Australian children eating for good health? An investigation into fruit and vegetable consumption

“…6,17 Our previous research suggested this was, in part, due to the contribution many remote schools made to children's F&V intake through breakfast or lunch programs. 18 The differences in F&V types and varieties consumed by regional and remote children participating in this study could result from higher availability, affordability and quality produce in some locations. 18 Strengths of this study included using a caregiver-child dyad to provide an understanding of F&V consumption from two perspectives.…”

“…18 The differences in F&V types and varieties consumed by regional and remote children participating in this study could result from higher availability, affordability and quality produce in some locations. 18 Strengths of this study included using a caregiver-child dyad to provide an understanding of F&V consumption from two perspectives. Children completed the 24-h food diary, which measured children's consumption of F&V varieties.…”