Fruit and vegetable consumption in rural adults population in INDEPTH HDSS sites in Asia

Abstract

BackgroundLow fruit and vegetable consumption is among the top 10 risk factors contributing to mortality worldwide. WHO/FAO recommends intake of a minimum of 400 grams (or five servings) of fruits and vegetables per day for the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.ObjectiveThis paper examines the fruit and vegetable consumption patterns and the prevalence of inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption (less than five servings a day) among the adult population in rural surveillance sites in five Asian countries.Data and methodsThe analysis is based on data from a 2005 cross-site study on non-communicable disease risk factors which was conducted in nine Asian INDEPTH Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) sites. Standardised protocols and methods following the WHO STEPwise approach to risk factor surveillance were used. The total sample was 18,429 adults aged 25–64 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between socio-demographic factors and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption.ResultsInadequate fruit and vegetable consumption was common in all study sites. The proportions of inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption ranged from 63.5% in men and 57.5% in women in Chililab HDSS in Vietnam to the whole population in Vadu HDSS in India, and WATCH HDSS in Bangladesh. Multivariate logistic regression analysis in six sites, excluding WATCH and Vadu HDSS, showed that being in oldest age group and having low education were significantly related to inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, although the pattern was not consistent through all six HDSS.ConclusionsSince such a large proportion of adults in Asia consume an inadequate amount of fruits and vegetables, despite of the abundant availability, education and behaviour change programmes are needed to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. Accurate and useful information about the health benefits of abundant fruit and vegetable consumption should be widely disseminated.

Disparties in fruit and vegetable intake by Socio-demographic characteristics in peri-urban Nepalese adults: findings from the Heart-health Associated Research and Dissemination in the Community (HARDIC) Study, Bhaktapur, Nepal

“…Women in our study area consumed more fruits and vegetables than men while a reverse trend had been observed earlier in all the HDSS of Bangladesh, India, Vietnam and Thailand 24 . Variations according to race/ethnicity, educational status, and employment status have been demonstrated 10,11,25 .…”

“…Comparatively, a highincome country like Canada has on average a fruit and vegetable consumption of 4.95 servings per day 10 . Fruit and vegetable intake has been studied in other Asian health demographic surveillance sites (HDSS) as well 24 . A wide variation has been noted with the proportion of inadequacy ranging from 63.5 percent in men and 57.5 percent in women in Chililab HDSS in Vietnam to 100 percent in Vadu HDSS in India and WATCH HDSS in Bangladesh 24 .…”

Development of Vegetable Nutrition Garden Model For Diet Diversification and Improved Nutrition Security of Urban and Peri-urban Households

“…Nutrition gardening can be a profitable proposition in a country like India which is predominantly vegetarian and, as such, a large number of nutrients are obtained from vegetables for a balanced diet. Due to inadequate consumption of vegetables, deficiency of micro-nutrients especially of iron, vitamin A and iodine are prevalent in the developing world (Hall et al, 2009;Kanungsukkasem et al, 2009;Satheannoppakao et al, 2009;Leenders et al, 2013;NCCDPHP, 2013). The challenge of increasing vegetables consumption is a major concern for health professionals.…”

Trends in the inequality of fruit and vegetable consumption between education levels indicated by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys

“…3,4 However, most studies on SEP and FV intake have only measured intake at a single time point. [5][6][7][8][9] Although some studies have examined trends in FV intake according to SEP, these were mostly performed in the West. [10][11][12][13] Educational attainment, income and occupational social class are established indicators of SEP. 14 Of these indicators, education is the most likely to account for socioeconomic differences.…”