How much is '5-a-day'? A qualitative investigation into consumer understanding of fruit and vegetable intake guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Despite the known health benefits of fruit and vegetables (FV), population intakes remain low. One potential contributing factor may be a lack of understanding surrounding recommended intakes. The present study aimed to explore the understanding of FV intake guidelines among a sample of low FV consumers. METHODS: Six semi-structured focus groups were held with low FV consumers (n = 28, age range 19-55 years). Focus groups were recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using nvivo (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia) to manage the coded data. Participants also completed a short questionnaire assessing knowledge on FV intake guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse responses. RESULTS: The discussions highlighted that, although participants were aware of FV intake guidelines, they lacked clarity with regard to the meaning of the '5-a-day' message, including what foods are included in the guideline, as well as what constitutes a portion of FV. There was also a sense of confusion surrounding the concept of achieving variety with regard to FV intake. The sample highlighted a lack of previous education on FV portion sizes and put forward suggestions for improving knowledge, including increased information on food packaging and through health campaigns. Questionnaire findings were generally congruent with the qualitative findings, showing high awareness of the '5-a-day' message but a lack of knowledge surrounding FV portion sizes. CONCLUSIONS: Future public health campaigns should consider how best to address the gaps in knowledge identified in the present study, and incorporate evaluations that will allow the impact of future initiatives on knowledge, and ultimately behaviour, to be investigated.

Exploring the needs, concerns and knowledge of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: to explore the concerns, needs and knowledge of women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). DESIGN: a qualitative study of women with GDM or a history of GDM. METHODS: nineteen women who were both pregnant and recently diagnosed with GDM or post- natal with a recent history of GDM were recruited from outpatient diabetes care clinics. This qualitative study utilised focus groups. Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions to explore (1) current knowledge of GDM; (2) anxiety when diagnosed with GDM, and whether this changed overtime; (3) understanding and managing GDM and (4) the future impact of GDM. The data were analysed using a conventional content analysis approach. FINDINGS: women experienced a steep learning curve when initially diagnosed and eventually became skilled at managing their disease effectively. The use of insulin was associated with fear and guilt. Diet advice was sometimes complex and not culturally appropriate. Women appeared not to be fully aware of the short or long-term consequences of a diagnosis of GDM. CONCLUSIONS: midwives and other Health Care Professionals need to be cognisant of the impact of a diagnosis of GDM and give individual and culturally appropriate advice (especially with regards to diet). High quality, evidence based information resources need to be made available to this group of women. Future health risks and lifestyle changes need to be discussed at diagnosis to ensure women have the opportunity to improve their health.