Convenience as a Factor in Meal Preparation Among Health‐Conscious Adults

Abstract

WA 99164-4725.The authors thank Wayne Tate for his assistance in data analysis.A recent consumer survey concluded that half the primary food shoppers in U.S. households are strongly influenced by convenience or health values in food selection. To explore these influences further, adult male and female road-race participants (n = 930) were recruited for a survey of personal and household factors influencing the perceived role of convenience in meal preparation among a group of "health-conscious" consumers. The respondents' perception of how often convenience is a factor in household meal preparation was significantly influenced by sex (p < .01) and an age-household composition interaction effect (p < .01). Convenience was reportedly most often a factor in meal preparation for respondents under 50 years old who live alone, respondents under 40 years old in adults-only households, all age groups in multiperson households with children, and women. Convenience reportedly played less of a role in meal preparation for respondents over 50 years old who lived alone or with other adults. Interest in information on easy-to-fix meals increased as frequency of household food preparation by the respondent increased, and was significantly higher among females than males in multiperson households. Results imply sex-and age-group differences in perceptions of food preparation that have a potential impact on how nutrition educators develop "convenient" dietary change strategies for certain active adults.The value of convenience has become an important influence on the dietary behavior of Americans. Lifestyle and economic changes have fostered increased demand for convenience stores and food items and for eating away from home (Stafford & Wills, 1979). Social trends such as greater numbers of women in the work force and the increased value of leisure time are likely to maintain the demand for convenience in food preparation (Elder, 1987).The importance of convenience in household food preparation may vary considerably with different household and demographic factors.

Consumers' convenience orientation towards meal preparation: conceptualization and measurement

“…It is apparent that persons who are responsible for both housekeeping and earning a living, but do not have to take care of other household members as regards meal preparation, are most convenience oriented. This is in line with Armstrong et al (1991), who found that singles judged convenience a much more important factor in meal preparation and were much more interested in easy 3 The absence of an interaction between sample type and any of the socio-demographic variables also lends further support to the generalizability of the results that were obtained for the convenience sample.…”

Relationship of social cognitive theory concepts to mothers' dietary intake and BMI

“…2004). The final scale assessed beliefs in the link between diet and health (outcome expectations) (Fishbein & Stasson 1990; Armstrong et al . 1991; Glanz et al .…”

Exploring convenience orientation as a food motivation for college students living in residence halls

“…More precisely, singles are known to be more convenience‐oriented than people living in multiperson households. They are much more interested in meals which are easy to prepare 7,8 …”