Childhood obesity: parental self-efficacy and perceived barriers for fruit and vegetable consumption

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between parental self-efficacy and perceived barriers for regularly and adequately providing fruit and vegetables in the home and a child's actual fruit and vegetable intake as well as weight status. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 76 parents of preschool-aged children. The results of this study indicated children met the fruit and vegetable intake guidelines at higher rates than in comparable nation-wide surveys; weight trends followed California rates. Parents reported overall high self-efficacy and low perceived barriers for the studied behaviors. A statistically significant relationship was found between parental selfefficacy and perceived barriers and a child's fruit and vegetable intake, but not weight status. No clear relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and child weight status was found. Addressing low self-efficacy and perceived barriers may benefit future interventions aimed at improving fruit and vegetable intake. A need for more consistent portion size guidelines - particularly for juice - in surveys and dietary recommendations was identified.