IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 5021: The Influence of Rurality on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and BMI: Findings in Mississippi Are Not Consistent with Those at the National Level

IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 5021: The Influence of Rurality on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and BMI: Findings in Mississippi Are Not Consistent with Those at the National Level International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph18095021 Authors: Danielle Fastring Danielle Nadorff Hilary DeShong Sixty percent of Americans have at least one chronic disease that is both diet-related and preventable. Those living in rural areas often experience a greater burden of disease than those who live near a city center. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of rurality on fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and BMI. Additionally, the study compares national results to those in Mississippi, a state with an aging population, and high rates of poverty, rurality, poor diet, and obesity. Data utilized were from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. One-way analyses of covariance were performed to determine impact of rurality on nutritional intake and BMI, while controlling for age, income, education, race, and the presence of children in the home. At the national level, rurality had a significant impact on BMI, and the daily intake of fruit juice, fruits, dark green vegetables, French fries, potatoes, other vegetables, and total daily vegetable intake. BMI and nutritional intake of those living in Mississippi was significantly poorer than those living in other states. More research is needed to determine how to best facil...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research