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A new study reveals that improving the diets of adults in rural communities requires more than simply increasing access to healthy food. Researchers found that psychosocial factors – including motivation, confidence, and social support – alongside the characteristics of the local food environment, are critical determinants of dietary habits.
A large cross-sectional study,published in October 2025 in the journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior,examined the dietary patterns of 2,420 adults residing in rural and micropolitan areas of New York and Texas. The research, conducted by Elsevier, underscores the complex interplay of factors influencing nutrition in underserved populations.
The Power of Mindset and Community
The study’s most striking finding was the strong correlation between psychosocial factors and diet quality. Individuals who reported higher levels of healthy eating motivation, confidence in their ability to maintain healthy habits, and robust social support networks from family and friends consistently demonstrated better dietary choices.
“Our findings highlight that motivation, confidence, and support for healthy eating – along wiht the local food environment – all play meaningful roles in shaping diet quality,” a lead researcher stated. This suggests that interventions focused solely on increasing food availability may fall short without addressing the underlying psychological and social barriers to healthy eating.
Local Food Environments Matter
Beyond individual mindset, the study revealed the significant impact of the local food environment. Participants who perceived greater availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in their communities, and who prioritized food quality, price, and selection when choosing where to shop, exhibited healthier dietary intakes.They consumed more fruits, vegetables, and fiber, and fewer ultraprocessed foods.
On average, participants reported consuming 2.6 cups of fruits and vegetables daily and 15 grams of fiber, figures mirroring national averages but still falling below recommended levels. This highlights a persistent gap between current consumption and optimal nutrition.
Food Insecurity and Socioeconomic Factors
The study also shed light on the socioeconomic challenges faced by rural communities. Nearly 40% of participants reported experiencing household food insecurity, and approximately half lived in households with annual incomes under $50,000. These factors undoubtedly contribute to the difficulties in maintaining a healthy diet.
Implications for Public Health
These findings reinforce the need for multifaceted approaches to improving nutrition in rural areas. Recognizing that rural adults face elevated risks for diet-related health conditions, the research emphasizes that nutrition behaviors are shaped by a complex web of influences extending beyond mere food access.
The authors call for further research to evaluate how changes in psychosocial and environmental factors over time may influence dietary behavior across diverse populations. This continued investigation will be crucial in developing targeted and effective interventions to promote healthier eating habits and improve the well-being of rural communities.
Source: Seguin-Fowler, R. A., et al. (2025). Associations Between Diet Quality and Psychosocial and Environmental Factors in Rural Adults. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2025.10.010. https://www.
