Food consumption patterns are influenced by a variety of social, economic, and cultural factors. This study investigates the determinants of fresh fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption among Tennessee consumers, utilizing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. A Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model employing Poisson regression was applied to analyze household fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, with data initially in SAS Transport format, converted to a text file using R, and subsequently transformed into Excel for analysis in STATA. The findings indicate a positive correlation between health status and FV consumption. Notably, females are more likely to consume greater quantities of FV compared to males. Households characterized by higher levels of physical activity consume FV 1. 2 times more than their less active counterparts. Additionally, White and Black Americans consume 1. 13 times fewer FV than Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. Younger respondents aged 18–24 exhibit lower FV consumption compared to older age groups. Households with an annual income below 15, 000 demonstrate the lowest levels of FV consumption relative to higher income brackets. Furthermore, waged employees consume less FV than those unable to work, and higher educational attainment is associated with an increase in FV consumption. This analysis underscores the significance of socio-economic factors, including income, education, and physical activity, in understanding fresh produce consumption patterns among U. S. households. Insights derived from this research are essential for stakeholders in the food sector and policymakers aiming to formulate targeted strategies to enhance FV consumption, thereby promoting improved public health.
Khanal et al. (Wed,) studied this question.