Testing mediating variables in a school-based nutrition intervention program. |
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Authors: | Kim D Reynolds Amy L Yaroch Frank A Franklin Julie Maloy |
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Affiliation: | Center for Behavioral and Community Studies, AMC Cancer Research Center, Lakewood, Colorado 80214, USA. reynoldsk@amc.org |
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Abstract: | This study identified mediators of a school-based nutrition intervention for 4th graders and their parents. Nine variables were tested for satisfying 4 conclusions necessary to establish mediation of intervention effects on changes in fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) in 4th graders (N = 1,676). FVC was measured in children by the use of 24-hr dietary recalls. Mediators were assessed by the use of questionnaires completed by children and parents. All 4 conclusions were met for positive outcome expectancies. Knowledge, self-efficacy, and parent consumption satisfied the first 3 conclusions for mediation but the mediating effects were not statistically significant (Conclusion 4). Future mediational analyses and the creation of a national database of mediators are crucial for increasing strength and efficiency of school-based nutrition programs. |
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