ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adolescent’s vegetable intake in rural Terengganu, Malaysia. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted at selected secondary schools in the districts of Marang and Hulu Terengganu from January 2019 until May 2019. By using multistage random sampling in schools and based on inclusion criteria, a total of 160 students was recruited. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of demographic information, knowledge, attitude and practice of vegetable intake was developed by the researchers. The reliability test showed that the validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire were acceptable with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.701, 0.702 and 0.708 for knowledge, attitudes and practices, respectively. Results: The findings showed that respondents had ‘good’ knowledge (41%), ‘good’ attitudes (41%) and ‘fair’ practices (52%) towards the vegetable intake. There were a significant difference in the mean knowledge scores between male and female respondents (p=0.041) based on the Independent T-test. A positive correlation was observed between attitude and knowledge (r=0.38), attitude and practices (r=0.25) (p<0.05). The result also showed that respondent’s intake of vegetables was significantly correlated with knowledge (p=0.014) and attitudes (p=0.006). Conclusion: The findings showed that only 9% adolescents achieved adequate intake of vegetables per day based on recommendation by Malaysian Dietary Guideline. Therefore, if these population did not change their food behavioural intake, the incidence of chronic diseases was expected to rise during their adulthood.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of vegetable intake and its associated personal, socio-environmental and physical-environmental factors among Malay adolescents in rural Terengganu. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted from 1st January 2019 to 31st May 2019 at selected secondary schools in rural Terengganu in Marang and Hulu Terengganu districts. A total of 240 students were recruited by multistage random sampling method in schools and based on inclusion criteria. A validated questionnaire was developed consisting of four (4) sections; demographic data, personal, socio-environmental and physical-environmental factors of vegetable intake. Reliability test found the validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire to be acceptable with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.762. Results: The respondents consisted of 53% males and 47% females with mean age of 15.01 (1.00) years old. Majority of the respondents had normal BMI status (48%) follows by underweight (20%), overweight (16%) and obese (16%). Majority (83%) had inadequate vegetable intake per day. Factors that were associated with the vegetable intake among adolescents were liking (p=0.01), intention (p=0.01) and habit (p<0.01) for personal factor. An availability of vegetable at leisure place (p=0.01) was significant for physical-environmental factor. Conclusion: Majority of the adolescents did not meet the recommended intake of vegetable daily. Therefore, development of intervention programs to promote intake of vegetables among adolescents should consider their liking, habits, intention and the availability at leisure place compare to others in schools or any organizations.