Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Barriers to Their Consumption among University Students in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Data on fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption and barriers to their intake by Kuwait college students are needed for health promotional activities to curtail obesity and related comorbidities prevalent in Kuwait. This study employed a cross-sectional survey aimed at assessing the median F/V intake in a sample of Kuwait University students to determine its relationship with gender, body weight, college affiliation, and family monthly income and to explore perceived barriers to eating F/V. The median total F/V intake was 2.06, and the median intake of F/V without fries was even lower. Significant gender differences were found in intakes of fruit juice and the percentage of juice from fruit intake, with males consuming more servings per day compared to females. Male students were found to consume proportionately more fried potatoes of total vegetable intake when compared to females, whereas female students were found to consume more vegetables without fries than males. Taste, inconvenience, and lack of knowledge on F/V intake recommendations and preparation methods were among the main barriers to consuming more F/V. College students require encouragement to consume more F/V through targeted campaigns to increase awareness of recommendations, health benefits, and ways to incorporate F/V in their daily diet.

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Cooking Frequency Predicts Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among College Students

Journal of Family & Consumer Sciences ◽

10.14307/jfcs112.1.38 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 112 (1) ◽

pp. 38-45

Author(s):

Sarah Minkow ◽

Virginia Gray ◽

Selena Nguyen Rodriguez ◽

Wendy Reiboldt ◽

James Childers

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Cooking attitudes and behaviors among college students—and related implications to dietary quality—are largely unexplored. This study assessed the relationship between college students' fruit and vegetable intakes and cooking attitudes, confidence, and frequency (N = 448) using a cross-sectional survey. Hierarchical linear regression models examined associations between cooking attitudes, confidence, and frequency of fruit and vegetable intake. Fruit and vegetable intake was positively correlated with cooking attitudes, confidence, and frequency. Regression analysis indicated cooking frequency is a significant predictor of fruit and vegetable consumption when controlling for sex, kitchen access, and cooking attitudes and confidence. Future studies are needed to investigate the impact of cooking interventions on diet quality.

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Demographic, familial and trait predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption by pre-school children

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2003527 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 295-302 ◽

Cited By ~ 326

Author(s):

L J Cooke ◽

J Wardle ◽

EL Gibson ◽

M Sapochnik ◽

A Sheiham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Feeding ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Fruit And Vegetables ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Fruit Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Neophobia ◽

Early Introduction

AbstractObjective:To examine the contribution to fruit and vegetable eating in children of potential predictive variables within the domains of demographics, parental feeding practices and personality traits.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Setting:Questionnaires were distributed to parents through 22 London nursery schools.Subjects:Questionnaires were completed and returned by 564 parents or principal caregivers of 2–6-year-old children.Results:Significant predictors of children's fruit and vegetable intake emerged from all three domains examined. Demographic variables associated with child's vegetable consumption were mother's education and child's age and gender. Only ethnicity was significantly associated with fruit consumption. Parental consumption, breast-feeding and early introduction to fruit and vegetables were related to intake of both. Family mealtimes were associated with higher intake of vegetables, but not of fruit. Two characteristics of children themselves (food neophobia and enjoyment of food) were strongly related to the consumption of fruit and vegetables. Subsequent multivariate analyses revealed that parental intake and child food neophobia independently predicted intake of both foods. In the presence of these, fruit consumption was affected by breast-feeding and early introduction to fruit, whereas vegetable consumption was related only to child's gender and enjoyment of food.Conclusions:These findings may be used to inform future interventions aimed at increasing children's consumption of fruit and vegetables. Parents should be made aware of the possible impact of their own behaviour on the eating habits of their children.

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Socio-economic and behavioural determinants of fruit and vegetable intake in Moroccan women

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980014001761 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (5) ◽

pp. 809-816 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Edwige Landais ◽

Abdellatif Bour ◽

Agnès Gartner ◽

Fiona McCullough ◽

Francis Delpeuch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vegetable Intake ◽

Vegetable Consumption ◽

Economic Status ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Behavioural Determinants ◽

Moroccan Women ◽

Main Meal

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate daily fruit and vegetable intakes and to investigate socio-economic and behavioural differences in fruit and vegetable consumption among urban Moroccan women.DesignA cross-sectional survey. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured with a single 24 h recall.SettingsA representative population-based survey conducted in the area of Rabat-Salé.SubjectsWomen (n 894) of child-bearing age (20–49 years).ResultsMean fruit and vegetable intake was 331 g/d (155 g/d for fruit and 176 g/d for vegetables). Only one-third (32·1 %) of women consumed ≥400 g/d and half the sample (50·6 %) were considered as low consumers, i.e. <280 g/d. Women of higher economic status ate significantly more fruit (P<0·05) and more fruit and vegetables combined (P<0·05). Women ate significantly less vegetables if they ate out of home more often or skipped at least one main meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) or ate more processed foods (P<0·05, P<0·01 and P<0·001, respectively). Fruit and vegetable diversity was not associated with any of the factors investigated.ConclusionsIn this population, fruit and vegetable intakes are driven by different determinants. Indeed, while vegetable consumption was related only to behavioural determinants, fruit consumption was influenced only by economic status. Therefore, programmes promoting fruit and vegetable intake would be more effective if they account for these specific determinants in their design.

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Children’s and parents’ perceptions of the determinants of children’s fruit and vegetable intake in a low-intake population

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980008004254 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 1224-1233 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Asa Gudrun Kristjansdottir ◽

Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij ◽

Knut-Inge Klepp ◽

Inga Thorsdottir

Keyword(s):

Vegetable Intake ◽

Important Determinant ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Children And Parents ◽

The Family ◽

Self Reports ◽

At Home

AbstractObjectiveTo study the differences between children’s self-reports and parents’ reports on environmental determinants of fruit and vegetable intake among 11-year-old children in the European country with the lowest reported consumption. A second objective was to examine the observed variance in fruit and vegetable intake among the children.DesignA cross-sectional survey was performed in Iceland as a part of the Pro Children cross-Europe survey. Children’s usual fruit and vegetable intake and its determinants were assessed through self-reports from the children (n963) and their parents’ reports.ResultsChildren reported lower availability and accessibility of fruits at home than did their parents, while the reports of children and parents for vegetables were more in agreement. A larger proportion of the observed variance in children’s fruit and vegetable intake could be explained by the child’s perception than by the parent’s perception of determinants. The strongest determinants for fruit and vegetable intake according to the children’s reports were availability at home, modelling, demanding family rule and knowledge of recommendations. The strongest modelling determinant for fruit was the father’s fruit intake while for vegetables it was eating vegetables together with the family.ConclusionEleven-year-old children should be asked themselves what determines their fruit and vegetable intake. However, children reported determinants in the physical and social environment, of which the parents are a part, as an important determinant for their intake. Interventions aiming to increase fruit and vegetable intake among children must therefore target the parents.

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Attitudes towards Parenthood and Fertility Awareness in Female and Male University Students in South Korea

Child Health Nursing Research ◽

10.4094/chnr.2020.26.3.329 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 329-337

Author(s):

Hyewon Shin ◽

Jungmin Lee ◽

Shin Jeong Kim ◽

Minjeong Jo

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Male Students ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Fertility Awareness ◽

Male Undergraduate ◽

The Government ◽

Male University Students ◽

Provide Health Education

Purpose: This study investigated intentions and attitudes towards future parenthood and awareness of fertility among university students in South Korea.Methods: The participants comprised 166 female and male undergraduate students enrolled at five universities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to July 2019 using the Korean version of the Fertility Awareness Questionnaire and Attitudes of Parenthood. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics based on participants' general characteristics, the <i>x</i><sup>2</sup> test to identify differences in intentions, and the t-test to evaluate attitudes towards parenthood and awareness of fertility in female and male students.Results: Both female and male students desired to have two children, but they lacked awareness about fertility. The possibility of combining work and having children, along with the availability of childcare resources, impacted the desire for parenthood. Male students tended to consider parenthood as less impactful on their lives and careers than female students. Social structures might also impact the decision to have children.Conclusion: It is important to provide health education emphasizing fertility awareness and parenthood in young adulthood so participants can consider these facts in advance. In addition, the government should provide resources for couples making parenthood decisions.

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Fruit and vegetable intakes, associated characteristics and perceptions of current and future availability in Dutch university students

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898001800174x ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (11) ◽

pp. 1951-1959 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Nicole van den Bogerd ◽

Jolanda Maas ◽

Jacob C Seidell ◽

S Coosje Dijkstra

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Farmers Markets ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

University Environment ◽

Excessive Alcohol ◽

The University

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate fruit and vegetable (F&V) intakes of university students and associated demographic and lifestyle characteristics, and students’ perceptions of F&V availability and F&V intervention strategies in the university environment.DesignCross-sectional questionnaire data were collected; F&V intakes were measured using a food frequency tool. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to analyse the associations between demographic and lifestyle characteristics and F&V intakes.SettingUniversities in the Netherlands.SubjectsUniversity students (n 717).ResultsThe majority of students did not adhere to Dutch F&V guidelines (71 % and 93 %, respectively). Fruit intake was lower among students who were male, living independently, enrolled in a technical study, not adhering to physical activity guidelines, and heavy to excessive alcohol drinkers. Vegetable intake was lower among students who were non-Dutch, living with their parents, not adhering to physical activity guidelines, and moderate and heavy to excessive alcohol drinkers. Most students perceived that their university environment offers sufficient healthy foods (60 %) and F&V (65 %), but also indicated that their F&V intakes would increase with interventions concerning affordable F&V in the university canteen (64 %) or university supermarket (60 %). Students were less disposed to indicate that weekly local farmers’ markets, vegetable parcels or a vegetable garden would increase their F&V intakes.ConclusionsDutch university students do not consume enough F&V. Future efforts that aim to promote students’ F&V intakes should consider the differences between subgroups based on demographic and lifestyle characteristics and that affordable F&V in the university environment might be an effective strategy.

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The impact of the family meal on children's fruit and vegetable intake: a cross-sectional survey of children's dietary intake from London primary schools

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665112001383 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 71 (OCE2) ◽

Author(s):

M. S. Christian ◽

C. E. L. Evans ◽

J. E. Cade

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Primary Schools ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Family Meal ◽

The Family ◽

The Impact

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Health literacy and fruit and vegetable intake in rural Australia

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017001483 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 (15) ◽

pp. 2680-2684 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Siew Lim ◽

Alison Beauchamp ◽

Sarity Dodson ◽

Jonathan O’Hara ◽

Crystal McPhee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Health Information ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Dietary Behaviour ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural Australia

AbstractObjectiveAdequate fruit and vegetable intake is important in the prevention of chronic disease. Health literacy is associated with health outcomes but its role in dietary behaviour has received little attention. The present study investigated the association between a multidimensional measure of health literacy, sociodemographic characteristics, and fruit and vegetable intake in rural Australia.DesignA cross-sectional survey on intake of fruits and vegetables (servings/d), demographic characteristics and health literacy profile using a nine-scale Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Associations between health literacy and fruit and vegetable intake were assessed using logistic regression.SettingA large rural area of Victoria.SubjectsAdults residing in the Grampians region (n1154; 61 % female, mean age 52 (sd17) years).ResultsThe HLQ scale ‘Actively managing my health’ predicted (OR; 95 % CI) fruit (2·31; 1·87, 2·84) and vegetable (1·81; 1·45, 2·26) intake. The scales ‘Appraisal of health information’ (fruits: 1·73; 1·41, 2·13; vegetables: 1·49; 1·20, 1·86), ‘Social support for health’ (fruits: 1·31; 1·06, 1·63; vegetables: 1·40; 1·10, 1·76) and ‘Ability to find good health information’ (fruits: 1·25; 1·05, 1·48; vegetables: 1·36; CI 1·13, 1·63) also predicted fruit and vegetable intake. These associations remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, educational attainment and having private health insurance.ConclusionsHealth literacy, particularly being proactive, appraising information and having social support for health, is associated with greater fruit and vegetable intake. Future interventions should consider the health literacy needs of the community to improve fruit and vegetable intake.

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Fruit and vegetable intake among participants in a District of Columbia farmers’ market incentive programme

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980017003020 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (03) ◽

pp. 601-606 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Sara Pellegrino ◽

Anna Bost ◽

Meghan McGonigle ◽

Lillie Rosen ◽

Amelia Peterson-Kosecki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vegetable Intake ◽

Healthy Food ◽

Interquartile Range ◽

Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Washington Dc ◽

Fruit And Vegetable ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Farmers Market

Abstract Objective Limited research is available on whether participation in healthy food incentive programmes is associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake. The objective of the present study was to determine fruit and vegetable intake among participants in the Produce Plus Program, a farmers’ market-based healthy food incentive programme in Washington, DC, and identify demographic and behavioural factors associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake. Design Using a cross-sectional survey, programme participants were interviewed at markets across DC between June and September 2015. Questions included the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) fruit and vegetable module. Fruit and vegetable intake among 2013 DC BRFSS participants reporting annual household incomes of ≤$US 35 000 was calculated for context. Setting Washington, DC, USA. Subjects Participants (n 288) in the Produce Plus Program. Results On average, participants reported consuming both fruits (interquartile range: 1·0–3·0) and vegetables (interquartile range: 1·3–3·5) two times/d. Participants who reported eating home-cooked meals ≥3 times/week also reported higher median fruit (2·0 v. 0·8) and vegetable (2·3 v. 1·3) intake compared with those eating home-cooked meals less frequently. No statistically significant differences in reported median fruit or vegetable intake were observed over the course of the farmers’ market (June v. August/September) season. Conclusions Produce Plus Program participants reported higher median fruit and vegetable intake compared with DC BRFSS respondents with similar incomes, but still below recommended levels. More frequent home-cooked meals were associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake. Thus, efforts to increase home cooking may represent an opportunity to increase fruit and vegetable intake among healthy food incentive participants.

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