Focus group study of the determinants of vegetable and fruit consumption in Mexican children

Abstract

Our aim was to identify the determinants of vegetable and fruit (V&F) consumption in children from 2nd to 4th grades of elementary school in two schools in Mexico City. Three focus group discussions were held with 10 students each and 2 with 12 and 7 parents respectively. Similarities between children and parents: both reported a small variety of V&F at home and school, expressed the sensorial characteristics and pleasure of eating F versus the health effects of consuming V, and indicated that sometimes children are forced to eat V. Parents felt preparing food was their duty, believed children and unhealthy persons should eat more V&F than adults and healthy persons, and tried to motivate children to eat V by preparing attractive dishes, disguising them, punishing or rewarding. Parents said they needed to learn about the optimal quantity and frequency of V&F consumption and different ways to cook them. Differences found: children -not parents- felt they were able to cook. Although children expressed preference for F, their comments of V were positive and said they would try V&F at school if they were readily available. This information can be useful when designing effective interventions to promote V&F consumption in children.