Fruit and vegetable consumption and its determinants among Saudi university students

ABSTRACT

Diets rich in Fruits and Vegetables [F and V] are associated with reduced risk of various chronic illnesses. Although World Health Organization [WHO] recommends consumption of at least five portions of F and V a day, very few follow this advice. This study has been designed to assess F and V consumption and factors affecting its usage among students of a Saudi university. This cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Dammam in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2012-2013. A total of 367 university students were randomly selected. F and V consumption was assessed using a questionnaire containing predictive parameters about the frequency and type of food consumption. The association of F and V consumption with various potential determinants was calculated using Chi-square test. The study included 223 [60.76%] male and 144 [39.23%] female participants. The mean age was 22.40 +/- 1.83 while the mean BMI was 23.9 +/- 4.79. Consumption of F and V was not at par with the WHO recommended consumption level of 84.47%. Gender and BMI were not found to be significantly associated with F and V consumption. Living with the family, planning daily menu by themselves, awareness of WHO recommendations about F and V consumption, fitness consciousness and regular exercise were significantly associated with moderate or high F and V consumption [p < 0.001]. F and V consumption in the students of university of Dammam is far less than the WHO recommended level. There is a dire need to educate Saudi youth about the importance of F and V in their diet for a healthier life