(P02-112-25) College Health Interventions Improve Fruit/Vegetable Intake and Meal Planning Agency in Undergraduate Students

Objectives: Investigate the combined effects of 2 large theory driven RCT health interventions, Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH) and FRUit and Vegetable EDucation (FRUVED), on college undergraduates' fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake and meal planning agency (MPA).

Methods: Interventions were multi-state campus-based lifestyle programs designed to prevent unwanted weight gain, with YEAH, delivered as a web-based intervention and FRUVED implemented as a social marketing intervention. These interventions were developed using key constructs from the Transtheoretical Model and Social Cognitive Theory. Common variables from YEAH and FRUVED datasets were merged for secondary analysis with outcomes of interest being F/V intake and MPA. F/V intake was assessed using the NCI F/V Screener. MPA was evaluated with 10-items from the Health Belief Subscale of the Healthier Food Outcomes questionnaire. Changes from baseline to follow-up (YEAH: 3 months; FRUVED: end of second semester) were analyzed using standard least squares regression to examine group effect (experimental (n=1042) vs. control (n=1025)). Before analysis, variables underwent Johnson's normalization transformations and statistical significance was set at P< 0.05.

Results: Undergraduates (18-25 years, N=2067) from YEAH and FRUVED experimental groups had a greater increase in fruit and total vegetable (excluding white potatoes and legumes) consumption than control (percent difference >400%, P< 0.05). Experimental groups also showed greater improvements in MPA compared to controls (P < 0.05). MPA included recognizing the importance of planning quick/simple meals, prioritizing inclusion of fruits/vegetables in every meal, planning quick/healthy snacks, intentionally adding vegetables to meals/snacks, and adopting flexibility and sensibility in food choices (percent difference >180% for all).

Conclusions: Observed improvements in F/V consumption and MPA in undergraduate health interventions underscore the potential of these programs to drive meaningful dietary behavior changes in college students. Results support broader integration of structured health interventions in university settings to address critical dietary behaviors during a pivotal life stage.

Funding Sources: USDA NIFA and Multistate NC1193