Associations between Whole-Grain Intake, Psychosocial Variables, and Home Availability among Elementary School Children

Abstract 

Objective

Develop, refine, and test psychosocial scales for associations with whole-grain intake.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a Minneapolis/St. Paul suburban elementary school with children in fourth through sixth grades (n = 98) and their parents (n = 76). Variables of interest were child whole-grain intake, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, preferences, knowledge regarding whole-grain food, and whole-grain availability at home. Correlation analysis and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze data.

Results

Internal consistency and test-retest correlation coefficients for child psychosocial scales were modest or acceptable (α = .55–.70). Parents reported a mean of 15 ± 7 whole-grain products available at home. Child mean daily intake of total grain was about 8 servings, and intake of products containing whole grain was slightly over 2 servings. Reported home availability and refined-grain intake were significantly related to whole-grain intake, whereas psychosocial variables were not.

Conclusions and Implications

Home availability may be a more important variable associated with whole-grain intake than psychosocial variables.

Key Words: children, whole grain, self-efficacy, food preferences