Vegetable and fruit intake in one person household: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010~2012)

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to compare the vegetable and fruit intake between one person households and those living with family. Methods: The 24-hour recall data of 14,914 persons over 20 years old who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2010 to 2012 were used for the final analysis. Consumption of non-salted vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g/day), fruits (≥ 200 g/day), and kimchi (≥ 120 g/day) was compared between one person households and those living with family. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between potential determinants and adequate vegetable and fruit intake. Results: After additional adjustments for age, household income, and total energy intake, no statistically significant differences in likelihood of low intake of nonsalted vegetable and fruit and kimchi were observed between one person households and those living with family. (Nonsalted vegetables and fruits: odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.79-1.68 for the men; OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.98-1.59 for women). However one person households have greater likelihood of low intake of kimchi than those living with family in women (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.31-2.26). Conclusion: Although there were no differences in likelihood of low intake of non-salted vegetables and between individuals living alone and those living with family, women of one person households were great likelihood of low intake of kimchi compared to those living with family.