Assessment of the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and adolescents’ knowledge of their benefits in Ain Temouchent (Western Algeria)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical and sensitive period of life, a fundamental stage of development, and special attention must be paid to the quality of food. Healthy eating habits at adolescence can be an important factor for healthy eating habits later in life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and knowledge of fruit and vegetable consumption among adolescents in Ain Temouchent (Western Algeria). METHODS: A study was conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2022. 103 adolescents responded to the questionnaire. The participants were boys (n = 48) and girls (n = 55) aged 12 to 18 years from two educational levels (middle school and high school). RESULTS: Adolescents surveyed had a mean BMI equal to 23.2 (kg/m2), considered overweight. The frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption it does not differ between girls and boys (p > 0.05). The consumption of fruits and vegetables was below recommended levels. The evaluation showed that most adolescents do not have a good knowledge of food composition and are not interested in fruits and vegetables in their daily diet (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that adolescents consume few fruits and vegetables, and they have little knowledge of the value of fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.