Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables by university students in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil: prevalence and associated factors

• Published in: Cadernos de saúde pública 2012-07, Vol.28 (7), p.1405-1413
• Main Authors: Ramalho, Alanderson Alves, Dalamaria, Tatiane, Souza, Orivaldo Florencio de
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Adult; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet Surveys - statistics & numerical data; Feeding Behavior; Female; Fruit; Humans; Male; Sex Distribution; Socioeconomic Factors; Students - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urban Population; Vegetables; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1678-4464
• DOI: 10.1590/S0102-311X2012000700018

This cross-sectional study with university students examined the prevalence of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables and associated factors among students at a Federal university in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazil. 863 undergraduates were interviewed in 2010. Overall prevalence of regular consumption of fruits and vegetables was 14.8%. Factors associated with regular consumption of fruits and vegetables were: socioeconomic classes A and B (PR = 1.70; 95%CI: 1.10-2.62), living with a partner (PR = 1.53; 95%CI: 1.02-2.29), regular physical activity (PR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.11-2.56), and consumption of fast food twice a week or less (PR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.04-2.13). A minority of the students met the recommendation to consume fruits and vegetables 5 or more days a week. Regular fruit and vegetable consumption was associated with socioeconomic status and healthy habits such as physical exercise and low consumption of fast food.