Determinant of fruit and vegetable intake in low income, Mexican children and their parents

Abstract

BackgroundEpidemiological evidence suggests that populations with high vegetable and fruit (VF) consumption (>5 portions/day) have a lower risk for childhood obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. In Mexico we have few studies that identify the predictors of VF intake in children. So the aim of this study was to identify VF intake determinants in children and their parents attending Mexico City's Public Schools.MethodsA validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha 0.79) was used to assess the VF intake determinants in 142 pairs of children/parents (father or mother). Stepwise linear regression was performed.ResultsChildren consumed approximately 1.73 VF portions while parents reported 4.57 of VF/day. Girls consumed more VF than boys (p<0.01). Overweight or obesity (BMI p>85, NCHS) was greater in boys (55.1%, p<0.03). The mean age of parents was 35 years and had 8.4 years of education. The environmental factors that influenced a higher consumption of VF for parents were knowledge and accessibility (R²=0.12; p<0.000); for children were self efficacy, accessibility and knowledge (R²=0.74; p<0.000), and when parental variables were added to the model, expectative was also an explanatory variable (R²=0.74 p<0.002).ConclusionThe variables that determine VF consumption either in children or parents are knowledge and accessibility to VF; for children self efficacy as well as parental expectatives about the benefits of VF consumption was also important. These factors should be considered when designing programs aimed at increasing VF consumption in children.