Authors

  1. Lora, Karina R. PhD, RD
  2. Branscum, Paul W. PhD, RD
  3. Chen, Sixia PhD
  4. Wakefield, Dorothy MS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of home fruit and vegetable (F&V) availability and maternal feeding practices with Hispanic preschoolers' F&V intake (N = 238). "Availability' of total fruit" (P < .0001) and "modeling" (P < .020) increased the odds of consuming 1 or more cups of fruit. "Pressure" (P < .009) and the child being female (P < .028) increased the odds of consuming 1 or more cups of vegetables, while having a greater number of children in the home (P < .037) reduced the odds of consuming 1 or more cups of vegetables. To increase preschoolers' intake of F&V, interventions should target specific environmental factors in the home and maternal monitoring practices.