Assessment of fruit and vegetables consumption among teenagers in some selected basic schools in a low middle income country: Implications for health promotion
1
Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1542
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Fruits and vegetables are emphasized in dietary guidelines due to their high content of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and aids in malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases prevention. Adequate intake during adolescence is particularly important, as dietary habits formed at this stage often persist into adulthood. However, evidence suggests that consumption among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries remains suboptimal. This study assessed the quantity and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among teenagers attending selected basic schools in the Greater Accra Metropolis of Ghana.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study design was used, involving 105 students selected through quota and simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics and patterns of fruit and vegetable intake. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were generated, and Pearson’s chi-square test of independence was applied to examine the relationship between frequency and quantity of consumption, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS:
Most respondents were 13-year-olds (41.0%), and 52.4% were males. Majority lived with their nuclear family (93.3%), and most parents were fully employed (91.4%). Fruit and vegetable intake ranged mainly between two to three times weekly, with most respondents consuming only one serving per day. The main reasons for consumption were perceived nutritional benefits and maintaining good health. Identified barriers included high cost, poor availability, low attractiveness, and preference for other foods. Significant association was found between frequency and quantity of fruit intake (p = 0.027) and vegetable intake (p = 0.043).
CONCLUSIONS:
Fruit and vegetable consumption among teenagers was generally low. The significant relationship between frequency and quantity suggests that improving regular access may enhance overall intake. Coordinated efforts involving parents, schools, and health professionals are needed to promote sustained fruit and vegetable consumption through targeted nutrition education and school-based interventions.
Fruits and vegetables are emphasized in dietary guidelines due to their high content of dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and aids in malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases prevention. Adequate intake during adolescence is particularly important, as dietary habits formed at this stage often persist into adulthood. However, evidence suggests that consumption among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries remains suboptimal. This study assessed the quantity and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among teenagers attending selected basic schools in the Greater Accra Metropolis of Ghana.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study design was used, involving 105 students selected through quota and simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics and patterns of fruit and vegetable intake. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics were generated, and Pearson’s chi-square test of independence was applied to examine the relationship between frequency and quantity of consumption, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS:
Most respondents were 13-year-olds (41.0%), and 52.4% were males. Majority lived with their nuclear family (93.3%), and most parents were fully employed (91.4%). Fruit and vegetable intake ranged mainly between two to three times weekly, with most respondents consuming only one serving per day. The main reasons for consumption were perceived nutritional benefits and maintaining good health. Identified barriers included high cost, poor availability, low attractiveness, and preference for other foods. Significant association was found between frequency and quantity of fruit intake (p = 0.027) and vegetable intake (p = 0.043).
CONCLUSIONS:
Fruit and vegetable consumption among teenagers was generally low. The significant relationship between frequency and quantity suggests that improving regular access may enhance overall intake. Coordinated efforts involving parents, schools, and health professionals are needed to promote sustained fruit and vegetable consumption through targeted nutrition education and school-based interventions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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