Attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of soy consumers and non-consumers in mainstream and natural foods grocery stores in Minnesota.

摘要

Both epidemiological and clinical research implicate soy in a variety of protective health benefits including cholesterol lowering, cancer and osteoporosis prevention, weight control, and treatment of menopausal symptoms. In spite of the health benefits, Americans consume relatively small amounts of soy products, and limited information exists as to the determinants of soy food consumption and their relationship to body mass index (BMI). The overall goal of this research project was to determine the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of soy consumers (SC) and non-consumers (NC) in mainstream and natural foods grocery stores. It was hypothesized that use of the expanded Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB) that includes self-identity and self-efficacy would predict intention to consume soy and soy consumption behavior, and that a comprehensive Soy Foods Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) would measure differences in soy food consumption among Minnesotan grocery shoppers. The qualitative portion consisted of focus groups conducted with SC and NC with varying levels of cholesterol. The quantitative portion included the development and implementation of a soy survey tool based on findings from the focus groups, and was constructed using the ETPB as the theoretical framework, along with the SFFQ. Surveys (n = 303) were administered to consumers in mainstream and natural foods grocery stores. Both SC and NC recognized soy had a negative image, while SC initiated soy consumption because of change in lifestyle or for health-related reasons. SC and NC were willing to consume soy foods to lower cholesterol levels, but needed assistance in doing so. Soy consumption was greater than earlier predicted, with Asians, vegetarians, natural foods, health conscious, and natural foods coop shoppers consuming the most. Self-identification as soy foods consumer was the greatest predictor of soy consumption behavior in the ETPB. SC had lower BMIs than NC. Vegetarian and Nouveau Gourmet self-identities were related to increased soy consumption, while the Vegetarian self-identity was related to a low BMI, and Mainstream self-identity was related to a high BMI. We concluded that soy consumption is greater than earlier estimated and that soy consumers have distinct self-identities that lead to secondary consumption of soy foods.