Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for healthful dietary change in African Americans

Objective: To describe associations of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for dietary change with participant characteristics and current diet among African Americans. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 658 African American adults in North Carolina provided information on intrinsic (self-image and health concerns) and extrinsic (social influence) motivation scales, participant characteristics, and diet. Results: Most respondents considered it important to change their diet for health reasons; fewer were motivated by self-image or social influence. Motivation scales were significantly associated with demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics and fat, but not fruit/ vegetable consumption, after adjustment for covariates (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tailoring on intrinsic and extrinsic motives may improve the effectiveness of dietary interventions in African Americans.