J Immigr Minor Health

BackgroundWhile previous studies have described psychosocial and environmental factors that contribute to healthy eating, much remains unknown about the interactions between them.MethodsWe assessed the relationship between the perceived food environment, self-efficacy and fruit and vegetable consumption, using data from a sample of racially diverse, low-income adult clientele of five public health centers in Los Angeles County (n=1,503). We constructed a negative binomial regression model to examine the association between perceived food environment and the number of fruits and vegetables consumed.ResultsFor every one point increase on the perceived food environment scale, individuals ate about 5% more fruits and vegetables (95% CI: 1.007, 1.089), controlling for other covariates. Self-efficacy was shown to be a significant mediator (mediated effect = 0.010; 95% confidence interval 0.002, 0.020), accounting for 22.9% of the effect.DiscussionEfforts to increase access to healthy options may not only improve eating behaviors, but also influence individuals' beliefs that they can eat healthfully.TL1 TR000121/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United StatesU58 DP002485/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United States3U58DP002485-01S1/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United StatesTL1TR000121/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States2017-04-01T00:00:00Z25774038PMC482792