The Influence of Rurality on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and BMI: Findings in Mississippi Are Not Consistent with Those at the National Level

Danielle Fastring, Danielle Nadorff and Hilary DeShong
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Danielle Fastring: College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, MS 39401, USA
Danielle Nadorff: Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA
Hilary DeShong: Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: 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 facilitate access to healthy FVs for those living in rural communities.

Keywords: nutrition; rurality; fruit and vegetable consumption (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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