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International Journal of Public Health

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01-01-2015 | Original Article

Correlates of healthy fruit and vegetable diet in students in low, middle and high income countries

Authors: Karl Peltzer, Supa Pengpid

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of fruits and vegetable consumption and associated factors among university students from 26 low, middle and high income countries.

Methods

Using anonymous questionnaires, data were collected in a cross-sectional survey from 17,789 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, SD = 2.8) from 27 universities in 26 countries across Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Results

Overall, 82.8 % of the university students consumed less than the recommended five servings of fruits and/or vegetables. The mean fruit and vegetable consumption varied by country, ranging from ≤2.5 mean daily servings in Jamaica, Philippines and Barbados to ≥3.9 mean daily servings in Mauritius, Tunisia and Ivory Coast. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, sociodemographic factors, psychosocial factors, and behavioural factors (inadequate dietary behaviours, binge drinking and physical inactivity) were associated with low prevalence of fruit and vegetable intake.

Conclusions

Findings stress the need for intervention programmes aiming at increased consumption of fruit and vegetables considering the identified sociodemographic, psychosocial and behavioural risk factors.

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Title: Correlates of healthy fruit and vegetable diet in students in low, middle and high income countries
Authors: Karl Peltzer
Supa Pengpid
Publication date: 01-01-2015
Publisher: Springer Basel
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-014-0631-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Correlates of healthy fruit and vegetable diet in students in low, middle and high income countries

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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