National Health Outreach and Engagement Conference 2024

Koob, C, Matthews, R, Parisi, M, and Griffin, S.
Background: Compared to urban communities, rural communities demonstrate a higher
prevalence of obesity, citing low physical activity and poor dietary habits, including lower fruit
and vegetable (FV) intake. Still, rural residents tend to cook more at home and snack less
frequently than their urban counterparts. Rural-urban disparities in eating behaviors highlight
the need for targeted interventions, leveraging local food systems and dietary diversity, to
promote healthy eating in rural areas.

Methods: Facilitated by Extension agents, researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey
assessing food access/security, eating behaviors, physical activity, and community well-being in
3 rural South Carolina (SC) counties from June-August 2023 (N=481). An adjusted linear
regression model was run to examine associations between individual’s eating behaviors,
measured via the 6-item Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System’s FV module, and food
security status, household composition, and demographic characteristics.

Results: Respondents consumed an average of 2.74 FV servings daily—approximately half of
federal recommendations. Those who were food insecure and/or female reported significantly
less FV intake in the past 30 days, compared to their counterparts. Additionally, Non-Hispanic
Black respondents reported significantly higher FV intake, compared to Non-Hispanic White
respondents. The presence of children in the home, age, and household income did not
significantly affect individual’s eating behaviors.

Conclusion: Risk factors associated with poor FV intake in this analysis may tailor programs to
support county-specific food systems, while adjusting for the impact of food security. Extension
agents, embedded in their communities, are key to implementing data-driven interventions for
improved eating behaviors among rural communities.