Estimation of fruit and vegetable consumption in a cohort of Ghanaian women and evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practice

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), previously confined to industrialised nations, are spreading through the developing world at unprecedented rates (1) . With communicable diseases still prevalent, this imposes a double-burden of disease in countries with limited resources and ill-equipped health systems (2) . An unhealthy diet, including insufficient consumption of fruit and vegetables is one of four main behavioural risk factors in the development of NCDs. However, consumption across the world, including Ghana, is below recommended levels (3) . Despite a wealth of research in developed countries, few studies have investigated barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption in Ghana. The aim of the present study was to assess fruit and vegetable consumption and evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practice in a cohort of Ghanaian women.A mixed-methods approach, incorporating a survey delivered in a guided interview format was utilised to investigate patterns and determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption in a cohort of Ghanaian women. Data were collected from female environmental health and nursing students aged 18-33 years (n = 74, response rate 98.7%), residing in the Korle-Bu district of Accra, Ghana. A 24-hour recall questionnaire, local handy measures and a specially designed portion size assessment sheet allowed estimation of fruit and vegetable consumption, whilst a questionnaire comprising both qualitative and quantitative questions enabled investigation of barriers to consumption in Ghanaian society.A significantly greater level of low fruit and vegetable consumption was found in the present study (69 %), than detailed in the World Health Survey 2002-03 (p £ 0.001). There was a significant positive association between meal frequency and consumption levels (p = 0.025), however, no association was found between consumption and knowledge levels, income, home-production or perceived adequate consumption. Themes emerging from the research related to barriers affecting consumption included cost, availability, quality, and health and safety issues. Unhealthy snacking was found to be common, as were unhealthy substitutions during periods of scarcity.Numerous barriers causing the observed decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption were identified in the present study. The interrelating nature of the barriers identified suggests a multidirectional approach to address these issues would offer the greatest benefits for consumption levels. Increasing agricultural infrastructure is key, whilst educational initiatives should also play a major role in future strategies to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. Future investment and policy in Ghana should focus on prevention rather than cure, if the growing NCD burden is to be halted.

Fruits and vegetables intake improves birth outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

“…In this study, we found the prevalence of fruits and vegetables consumption among the mothers to be relatively low. Studies conducted in Ghana have also reported similar findings [ 36 , 37 ]. Azupogo et al [ 36 ] reported that, vegetable intake among women in Northern Ghana was lower than WHO [ 38 ] recommended daily intake of at least 400 g per day.…”

“…Azupogo et al [ 36 ] reported that, vegetable intake among women in Northern Ghana was lower than WHO [ 38 ] recommended daily intake of at least 400 g per day. Similarly, a study conducted by Moss and Mushtaq [ 37 ] among 74 Ghanaian women reported 69% of the study participants to have low fruit and vegetable consumption patterns. In Ghana, low consumption of fruits and vegetables has been reported to be driven by a myriad of contextual and socioeconomic factors including age and household wealth [ 39 , 40 ].…”