Factors associated with consumption of fruits and vegetables amongst adults in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Ladysmith

Abstract

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for more than 63% of all deaths globally. Intake of fruits and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of NCDs. Objectives: (a) to describe the socio-demographic, psychosocial, environmental and socio-economic profile of adults aged 18–64 years (study participants) in Alfred Duma Local Municipality (ADLM), (b) to assess the level of consumption of fruits and vegetables, and (c) to investigate association between socio-demographic, psychosocial, socio-economic factors and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Methodology: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study involving 164 households from six selected municipal wards in ADLM was conducted. A structured questionnaire using a combination of 24-hour recall method and food frequency was used to collect data (Appendix). Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with consumption of 2–3 or more servings of vegetables daily and 2 or more servings of fruit daily. Binary logistic regression was used to measure the strength of the associations between daily consumption and other variables. Results: Only 0.6% (n = 1) participants were found to be consuming an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables daily. Employment was associated with consumption of 2–3 daily servings of vegetables and two of fruits (OR 2.37; p-value 0.01 and OR 5.22; p-value < 0.001 for vegetables and fruits respectively). Local availability of vegetables was associated with consumption of vegetables (OR 2.35; p-value 0.014) but not fruits. Conclusion: Improving local availability of vegetables and employment may improve consumption in this municipality and help prevent NCDs. Summary: This study was conducted to assess consumption of fruits and vegetables in ADLM, and to identify factors associated with consumption. The study found that consumption of fruits and vegetables in ADLM is extremely poor. Local availability and employment were the main factors associated with consumption of fruits and vegetables. Supporting households in having vegetable gardens, and advocating for local vendors to sell fruits and vegetables on commute routes are key recommendations of this study.