Knowledge and Intake of Fruit and Vegetables Consumption among Adults in an Urban Community in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Fruit and vegetable consumption is an essential source of vital nutrients for the body's micronutrient requirements. However, the knowledge and intake of this essential aspect of nutrition is globally poor. This study therefore aimed at assessing the knowledge and intake of vegetables and fruits among adults in Tudun Wada Community of Jos North LGA, Central Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study where 250 respondents were selected using a Multi¬stage Sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data, which were analyzed using Epi info version 3.5.1. Qualitative data are presented as frequencies and percentages while Chi-square is used to evaluate associations between outcome variables and demographic variables.

Results: There was an overall fair knowledge of the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables among majority (92.4%) the respondents, with a statistically significant association between level of education attained and knowledge (p<0.05). Females were also noted to have a better practice of fruit and vegetable consumption than their male peers (p < 0.05). The appropriate practice of fruit and vegetable consumption was however not as high as knowledge: with only 69.2% of the respondents having appropriate consumption practices.

Conclusion: The low level of appropriate practice of fruit and vegetable consumption by adults in the study area needs to be improved by health workers using the mass media, health talks and one-on-one health education of patients and clients during health facility visits