Self-Reported Exposure to Community Violence and Perceived Stress as Barriers to Healthy Eating Intention Among Black Adults

PurposeThis study examined how community violence and perceived stress relate to healthy eating intention.DesignCross-sectional analysis of online survey data.SettingUnited States.Subjects501 Black adults (age 18+).MeasuresRespondents self-reported information on their demographics, exposure to community violence [measured by the Self-Reported Exposure to Community Violence screener (SECV)], perceived stress (measured by the Perceived Stress Scale), and intention to eat healthfully in the next 2 months (measured by the Healthful Eating Belief scale).AnalysisMultivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between SECV, perceived stress, and intention to eat healthfully while controlling for demographics. An interaction term assessed the multiplicative effect of SECV and perceived stress.ResultsIndividuals in the highest quartile of SECV score had lower odds of intending to eat healthy than those in the lowest quartile (aOR:0.54; CI:0.30-0.96). Individuals in the highest perceived stress score tertile had lower odds of intending to eat healthy compared to those in the lowest tertile (aOR:0.53; CI:0.30-0.92). Individuals in the highest quartile of SECV score and highest tertile for perceived stress score had the lowest odds of intending to eat healthy (aOR:0.21; CI:0.08-0.55).ConclusionHigh SECV and perceived stress are associated with reduced odds of intending to eat healthy among Black adults. More research is needed to describe whether these factors influence dietary behavior.