Is knowledge related to behavior?

Obesity and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer are a growing problem in the Western population. There is much evidence that the consumption of fruit and vegetables plays an important role in prevention of these diseases and obesity. Not surprisingly, the relationship between diet and health now enjoys widespread media coverage. Programs such as “help, my child is too fat” and “S.O.S. Sonja”, various television commercials and initiatives such as “www.voedingscentrum.nl” disseminate information to the public. Media can play a powerful role in influencing health behavior and yearly many education and intervention programs are designed to trigger consumption of healthy foods. However, in order to be successful in stimulating fruit and vegetable intake in the population it is essential to knowing the determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption. Nowadays it seems that many individuals are aware of the need to consume fruit and vegetables. However, the current consumption is far below the recommended level. Knowing what types of knowledge, and what other factors besides knowledge, influence behavior, is an important step towards more effective interventions. The question that rises is:  Is knowledge about nutrients of fruit, the role of fruit in the prevention of diseases and practical knowledge about fruit, related to fruit consumption? In this study I will answer this question based on a sample of students. Food patterns established during college years may have long-lasting influences on students’ future health and that of their future family. However, it has been well documented that college students have unhealthful eating behaviors. Therefore investigating whether knowledge can lead to behavior change is relevant for this particular group.