- 1
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA karpyn@udel.edu.
- 2
- Delaware Zoological Society, Wilmington, DE, USA.
- 3
- University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
Abstract
In
order to address the pervasive trend of underconsumption of fruits and
vegetables among children, we examined the hypothesis that children
would be more likely to select fruits (apple slices, bananas, and
oranges) and vegetables (baby carrots) when paired with animal cartoon
image than when available without the character image. Tested in a
randomized experiment using counterbalancing, products were arranged on
two tables at two separate family fun nights held at a local zoo. Animal
character produce parings were manipulated by placing one of two
animals (tamarin or iguana)
next to two of the four fruit or vegetable selections at each table,
and by changing when available without the image. In total, 755 produce
selections were made. Significantly more products paired with a
character were selected (62.38%) than the same products, not paired
(37.62%), χ2 = 46.32, df = 1, p < .001. The odds ratio of
the treatment versus control was 1.66 (i.e., 471/284), indicating that
children were 66% more likely to select a snack when paired with an
animal cartoon. Study findings highlight the positive impact of animal
cartoons on children's fruit and vegetable snack selections, and results
suggest the potential for using animal cartoons to encourage fruit and
vegetable selection for children.
© 2016 Society for Public Health Education.
KEYWORDS:
community
health; diet; food retail; health communications; health promotion;
interdisciplinary; new media and social media interventions; obesity;
social marketing
