The Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Problem

Abstract

Fruit and vegetable consumption is an essential component of a healthy diet and one of the most modifiable risk factors for chronic disease. Only a small percentage of the world’s population consumes the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables (Litt et al., 2011). In addition, young adults experience significant lifestyle changes as a result of independence, often establishing life-long dietary habits affecting future health and the health of their future families. The purpose of this project was to improve provider practice by using a food frequencyscreening tool and education within the clinical setting to facilitate increased knowledge, awareness, and fruit and vegetable consumption among young adults. A Fruit and Vegetable Checklist was incorporated into the clinic setting to provide ways to assess fruit and vegetable intake and identify education and interventional needs. The checklist tool was presented during well-check visits with patients between the ages of 18-24 years over a three-month period. The seven-question tool provided a comprehensive look at an individual’s nutritional status over the previous month and quickly identified nutritional deficits to narrow the focus for education and/or potential interventions. Printed educational information addressing the top barriers and top promoters of fruit and vegetable consumption were also provided to the patient at the end of their visit. Analysis at the conclusion of this project included the provider perception of client fruit and vegetable consumption after use of the checklist tool and educational material with patients in a clinic setting. Results of the project indicated overall positive provider perception of the checklist tool and educational materials. The ultimate goal of the practice improvement project was to incorporate these interventions into a live setting to improve patient care and provider practice.