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Article
Effects of Family, Friends, and Relative Prices on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption by African American Youths
Southern Economic Journal
  • Oleksandr Zhylyevskyy, Iowa State University
  • Helen H. Jensen, Iowa State University
  • Steven B. Garasky, IMPAQ International, LLC
  • Carolyn E. Cutrona, Iowa State University
  • Frederick X. Gibbons, University of Connecticut - Storrs
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Submitted Manuscript
Publication Date
7-1-2013
DOI
10.4284/0038-4038-2011.277
Abstract

We investigate the effects of parents, best friends, and relative prices on fruit and vegetable consumption by African American youths using behavioral data from the Family and Community Health Study and area-specific food prices from the Quarterly Food-at-Home Price Database. We construct a simultaneous equation ordered probit model that accounts for social interactions in fruit and vegetable consumption and specific aspects of the available food intake data. We estimate statistically significant endogenous consumption effects between a youth and a parent. Lower relative prices tend to increase intakes, particularly in the case of vegetables; however, the statistical significance of these effects is marginal. The results indicate the existence of social multipliers in fruit and vegetable consumption in African American families. The presence of these multipliers supports the design of youth-parent–based interventions to increase fruit and vegetable intake by African Americans. Additionally, intake also may be increased through relative price reductions.

Comments

This is a working paper of an article from Southern Economic Journal 80 (2013): 226, doi: 10.4284/0038-4038-2011.277.

Citation Information
Oleksandr Zhylyevskyy, Helen H. Jensen, Steven B. Garasky, Carolyn E. Cutrona, et al.. "Effects of Family, Friends, and Relative Prices on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption by African American Youths" Southern Economic Journal Vol. 80 Iss. 1 (2013) p. 226 - 251
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/carolyn_cutrona/17/