An examination of sociodemographic, health, psychological factors, and fruit and vegetable consumption among overweight and obese U.S. veterans

Although well studied in the general U.S. population, fac- tors associated with healthy diets among U.S. veterans are less understood. Studies have found that veterans have lower socio- economic status and fewer years of education than the general population. 5,6 Also, more patients using Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient facilities rate their health as "fair" or "poor" than do individuals in the general population. 5,6 Many veterans report having hypertension (37%), ischemic heart disease (16%), and diabetes (16%), all conditions for which risks may be lowered by a diet rich in FV p < 0.001) and being Black ( B = 0.18; p < 0.05) were related to increased FV p < 0.01). Greater self-effi cacy ( B = 0.07; p < 0.05), fewer perceived barriers ( B = 0.14; p < 0.01), and correct knowledge of recommended daily FV p < 0.05) were related to eating more F&Vs. U.S. veterans dis- proportionately experience overweight and obese conditions. Age, race, tobacco use, and psychosocial factors should be considered carefully when developing dietary interventions among overweight and obese U.S. veterans.