Mediated effects of social support for healthy nutrition: fruit and vegetable intake across 8 months after myocardial infarction

Behav Med. 2009 Spring;35(1):30-8. doi: 10.3200/BMED.35.1.30-38.

Abstract

The authors investigated relationships among family support for healthy nutrition, fruit and vegetable intake, and social-cognitive mediators such as intention, self-efficacy, and planning. Participants were 130 myocardial infarction survivors (64% men) treated in 4 clinics in Poland. The authors collected self-reported data across 8 months during and after cardiac rehabilitation (at the beginning of rehabilitation, 2 weeks after rehabilitation, and 6 months later). Results indicate that directly after rehabilitation, less than 20% of patients met recommended guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake, with a further decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption over time (14% and 12% at follow-ups). Family support predicted patients' behavior at follow-up, with self-efficacy playing a mediating role. Although regular formation of action plans predicted fruit and vegetable intake, it did not mediate social support-behavior relationships.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude to Health
  • Diet
  • Diet Surveys
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fruit
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / psychology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / rehabilitation
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Self Efficacy
  • Social Support*
  • Vegetables