Determinants of Fruit Consumption among In-school Adolescents in Ibadan, South West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Fruit consumption helps to promote health and prevent chronic diseases. Adequate knowledge of the determinants of fruit intake is necessary in order to be more effective in promoting its intake among adolescents. Objective: This study aimed to examine the determinants of fruit consumption among adolescent in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among Senior Secondary School students in a public school in Ibadan- North Local Government Area, Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 294 respondents completed a structured self-administered questionnaire. Associations were explored with the chi square test, predictors of fruit intake were determined with logistic regression; level of significance was 5%. Results: Respondents above 14 years were 159 (54%). Only 244 (83%) lived with both parents. In all 233 (79%) had four or less siblings. Apple is the fruit preferred by 165(56%) of the respondents. Only 27 (12%) out of the 229 that had fruit consumption the month preceding the study had adequate intake. Among children of mothers who were civil servants 23 (89%) ate fruit in the month preceding the study (p<0.05). The significant determinants of fruit intake were mothers who were professionals (OR:3.8(1.562- 20.690)), supportive physical environment (OR: 3.0 (1.148- 5.744)) and number of siblings ≤4 (OR:2.3 (1.093- 4.83)) P<0.05. Conclusions: Fruit intake has been shown to be low in the study population. Personal interest is not a determinant of fruit intake in this study there is therefore need to increase the level of awareness with regard to the benefit of fruit consumption in ensuring health. Effort to reduce the price of fruits and increase its availability is also important.