Fruit and vegetable intake among Boda-boda riders: a case of Hoima city, western Uganda.
Abstract
Fruit and vegetable consumption is vital for maintaining a healthy diet and preventing chronic
diseases. Boda-boda riders play a significant role in transportation and are often exposed to health
risks due to their sedentary lifestyles and irregular eating habits. This study aimed to investigate
the levels of fruit and vegetable consumption among boda-boda riders in Hoima City, Western
Uganda, and explore factors influencing their dietary habits.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 boda-boda riders in Hoima City. Data were
collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, including demographic
characteristics, types of fruits and vegetables consumed, and Food Frequency Questionnaires
(FFQ) to assess their daily intake. The average servings of fruits and vegetables per day were
calculated from the FFQ data with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Additionally, the most and least
consumed types of fruits and vegetables were identified based on frequency of consumption. Chi square tests were employed to explore associations between various factors and fruit and vegetable
consumption levels, and p-values were reported for significant associations with 95% CI.
The study revealed that the majority of boda-boda riders in Hoima City did not meet the
recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, with only 14.3% meeting the
recommendations. On average, boda-boda riders consumed 3.6013 ±1.28444 servings of fruits and
vegetables per day. The most consumed type of fruits among the riders were tropical and
subtropical fruits (30.4% consuming daily), while pome and stone fruits (17% atleast a day in a
week) were the least consumed. In terms of vegetables, root, bulb or tuberous vegetables (97.3%
daily) were the most consumed, and leafy or stem vegetables (19.6% daily) were the least
consumed. The analysis also showed significant correlations between certain demographic factors
and fruit and vegetable consumption levels. Marital status (p = 0.010), highest level of education
(p = 0.008), number of years spent in the boda-boda business (p = 0.014), and average monthly
income (p = 0.032) were all found to influence dietary choices among the riders.
This study highlights the need for interventions and nutritional education programs targeted at
boda-boda riders to improve their fruit and vegetable consumption. Strategies should focus on
promoting healthy dietary practices and increasing access to fruits and vegetables for this
population. By addressing these factors, we can work towards improving the overall health and
well-being of boda-boda riders and contribute to the reduction of chronic diseases in the
community.