Assessment of fruit and vegetable intake among makerere university students in Kampala

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to establish consumption levels of fruit and vegetables among Makerere University students in School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio engineering (SFTNB). The study established that females consumed more fruits and vegetables than their male counterparts. Overall respondents consumed more vegetables than fruits. The sample size was one hundred (100) subjects or respondents from SFNB and analyzed using SPSS to obtain frequencies, means and correlations.

A cross sectional study was conducted and data was collected using a structured questionnaire, while frequency of consumption was determined using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The factors influencing fruits and vegetable (FV) consumption were mainly availability and high prices which affected access and to a certain extent gender and age. Results of the 100 participants. 61% consumed their meals with ¼ of fruits and vegetables.Age was found to be significantly different at 5% with those relatively older students tending to consume more servings of fruits and vegetables on average compared to the younger students. The mean number of servings consumed. There was a significant difference at 5 % in mean servings of fruits and vegetables between males and females.

In conclusion, FV are less frequently consumed. Vegetables are more frequently consumed than fruits and the females consume more FV than males. Nutrition advocacy and education are key in improving the dietary patterns of the study population.