Decisional balance for health and weight is associated with whole-fruit intake in low-income young adults

Bone health, decreased risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke has been associated with the consumption of fruits. These and other health benefits, such as feeling better and weight loss, have been identified as intrinsic motivators for consumers to increase their consumption of fruits. Thus, if individuals believe more could be gained than lost (decisional balance) by increasing their fruit intake, it is likely that they will consume more. However, despite fruits' positive effect on health, young adults and individuals with low incomes, limited education, or low self-efficacy consume insufficient amounts. To determine variables associated with increased fruit consumption, we hypothesized that decisional balance pros for health and weight would be associated with increased fruit consumption in young adults with low incomes. We surveyed 235 respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 years, with an annual income less than $25,000. Multiple regression analysis measured the impact of the independent variables' (i.e., age, weight satisfaction, income, education, self-efficacy, and pros and cons decisional balance) association with fruit consumption. The decisional balance pros was significantly (F = 2.189, P = .036) associated with overall fruit consumption. Respondents consumed 1.94 ± 1.64 cups of fruit daily, with fruit juices consumed in greater amounts than any other form of fruit. Decisional balance questions relating to health (P < .05) and weight (P < .01) were significantly related to increased whole fruit intake. Results of this study suggest that decisional balance pros for health and weight can be used to predict whole-fruit consumption in low-income young adults.