Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Patterns and Preferences of Students in a Ghanaian Polytechnic

Abstract

Fruits and Vegetables (FVs) consumption is a critical route to long life and good health. Although the consumption of fruit and vegetable is strongly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases and obesity, consumption levels among school-aged children and adults are notably lower than the recommended amount of 400g per day, a quantity approximately equivalent to 5 servings per day. This research therefore evaluated the consumption and preference patterns of FVs among tertiary students in Ho Polytechnic, Ghana. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used to conveniently sample 449 students across the four faculties of the institution who provided data for the study via the completion of a structured questionnaire. Results of the study indicated that majority of respondents surveyed did not consume fruits 1-3 times a day contrary to a regular consumption of vegetables 1 – 3 times a day. Frequently consumed fruits were banana, orange and watermelon whereas frequently consumed vegetables were tomatoes and onion because most respondents used these vegetables in stews. Male students indicated statistically significant higher preference for orange, banana and pineapple while female students significantly preferred blackberries and grapes fruits and the vegetables okra, green pepper and lettuce. Age of respondents influenced consumption of vegetables rather than fruits.