Factors related to food involvement in the adult population

Resumen

Objective
This study aimed to investigate aspects associated with food involvement and to ascertain whether individuals with higher food involvement consume larger amounts of fruits and vegetables.

Methods
This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted with 301 adults (19-59 years old) from the Federal District, Brazil. Sample size calculation was based on numbers from the Brazilian Demographic Census and on consumption data for fruits and vegetables obtained from the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Interviews survey. Data were collected in October of 2012. The questionnaire comprised 28 questions and included socio-demographic variables, reported fruit and vegetable consumption, and an adapted food involvement scale. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed to determine population characteristics.

Results
Women and older individuals displayed a higher degree of food involvement than did men and younger individuals (p<0.001). Among the factors included in food involvement, the highest influence was attributed to satisfaction in preparing food (cooking), pre-preparation of food, and pleasure in cooking for other people (p<0.001).

Conclusion
The results presented here suggest that food involvement can be stimulated through innovative strategies of communication that go beyond the biological arguments and focus on the cultural expression of the elements of socialization, whose relationship with eating is well established.