Evaluating Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior Associated with Whole Grain Consumption

Abstract

Whole grain foods reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. Americans on an average consume less than one serving per day. We conducted a study to investigate barriers to consuming whole grains and to assess the effectiveness of printed nutrition materials (intervention). A questionnaire was administered to 125 adults before and after a 12-week mail intervention to determine knowledge and changes in attitude and behavior towards whole grain consumption using stages of change model of health behavior. We found a low awareness of whole grain recommendations and an inability to identify whole grains. Cost and availability of whole grain foods were identified as barriers. Post-intervention, there was a significant change in attitude to taste (P=0.0035), cost (P=0.0384), availability (P=0.0218), willingness to buy whole grains (P=0.0343) and willingness to buy a whole grain food that took longer to prepare (0.0082). A significant movement across the stages of change was seen (P<0.0001).