Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Research Articles

Consumption of fruits and vegetables and its association with sleep duration among Finnish adult population: a nationwide cross-sectional study

IntroductionSleep and diet are crucial determinants of overall health and wellbeing, with the potential to mutually influence each other. This study examined the association between sleep duration and fruits and vegetables (FV) consumption among Finnish adults.MethodsThe study analyzed data from the National FinHealth 2017 Study involving 5,043 adults aged 18 years and above. Participants reported their habitual sleep duration, and dietary consumption through a validated self-administered questionnaire. Confounders such as demographic, socio-economic factors, and chronotype were considered. A sensitivity analysis, which excluded energy under-reporters, was conducted to validate the findings.ResultsMean dietary consumption was compared across three sleep duration categories (short, normal, long), revealing that short sleepers consumed 37 g/d fewer FV, and long sleepers consumed 73 g/d fewer FV than normal sleepers. Binary logistic regression analyses consistently demonstrated significant negative association between FV consumption and both short and long sleep duration across all models, even when adjusted for a range of covariates. Linear regression analyses revealed a positive but non-significant association between sleep duration and FV consumption that became significant when excluding energy under-reporters, particularly in model 1.DiscussionThis study suggests a consistent pattern where deviation from normal sleep duration was associated with decreased FV consumption, suggesting the need for considering sleep patterns in dietary intervention. The substantial role of accurate energy reporting in explaining these associations is highlighted. Further research, including longitudinal studies, is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these associations.

Exploring the changing association between parental and adolescent fruit and vegetable intakes, from age 10 to 30 years

BackgroundAdolescence is a pivotal developmental stage, where escalating rates of overweight and obesity have raised concerns about diet quality and its association with adverse health outcomes. Parents are known to have considerable influence on childhood diet, but how this influence changes as adolescents mature is unknown. This study investigates the association between parental fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and adolescent FV consumption, exploring how this changes across adolescence and when adolescents leave home.MethodsAdolescents aged 10–30 years (n = 12,805) from the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS), and their parents, reported FV intakes every 2 years. Multilevel linear regression models were fitted to assess associations between parental and adolescent FV intakes, investigating interactions with age and living arrangement, and adjusting for sociodemographic covariates.ResultsParental FV intake was positively associated with adolescent FV intake (β = 0.20 [95%CI:0.19,0.22] portions/day), with the strength of this association lowest during early adolescence (10–14 years) and peaking at 17–18 years (β = 0.30 [95%CI: 0.27,0.33] portions/day). When adolescents no longer lived in the parental home, the association of parental FV intake with adolescent FV consumption decreased, but a positive association was maintained up to age 30 years.ConclusionsOur findings emphasise the enduring effect of parental FV consumption on adolescent FV consumption, highlighting the potential for interventions to promote increased FV intake, acknowledging the lasting influence of parental diet, even beyond the confines of the parental home.

Magnitude of fruit and vegetable consumption and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending health services at selected health centers in Yeka subcity, Addis Ababa: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption, and associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending health services at selected health centres.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study design was...

Examining Sociodemographic Factors, Reasons, and Barriers in the Diversity of Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Undergraduate Students.

The transition from adolescence to university life represents a crucial period during which dietary choices can significantly influence long-term health outcomes. While the benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (FVs) are widely acknowledged, there remains a noticeable gap in research concerning the factors influencing the consumption of specific FV varieties among university students. This study aimed to investigate the factors and barriers influencing the diversity of fruit and vegetable intake among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study involving 542 undergraduate students (with an average age of 20.6 ± 0.1 years and a body mass index of 21.3 ± 0.2 kg/m2) was conducted at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, between February and September 2022. Most students showed a preference for tropical fruits with inedible peels (88.2%) and Brassicaceae vegetables (91.0%), whereas lower consumption was observed for citrus fruits (19.7%) and Fabaceae vegetables (43.7%). Sociodemographic factors and cooking methods significantly influenced FV intake, with non-consumption associated with male students, independent living, lower BMI, and advanced academic years. A lower quality of life was found to be correlated with a higher proportion of students who did not consume vegetables. Barriers to inadequate fruit intake included busy lifestyles, while taste preference emerged as the primary reason for fruit consumption. Busy lifestyles and perceived healthiness were identified as the main barriers and reasons for vegetable intake. The study highlights the importance of implementing strategies and improvements in the university environment to promote diverse FV consumption and encourage healthy dietary behaviors among students.

Nutrition is associated with differences in multisensory integration in healthy older adults

ABSTRACT Diet can influence cognitive functioning in older adults and is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. However, it is unknown if an association exists between diet and lower-level processes in the brain underpinning cognition, such as multisensory integration. We investigated whether temporal multisensory integration is associated with daily intake of fruit and vegetables (FV) or products high in fat/sugar/salt (FSS) in a large sample (N = 2,693) of older adults (mean age = 64.06 years, SD = 7.60; 56% female) from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Older adults completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire from which the total number of daily servings of FV and FSS items respectively was calculated. Older adults’ susceptibility to the Sound Induced Flash Illusion (SIFI) measured the temporal precision of audio-visual integration, which included three audio-visual Stimulus Onset Asynchronies (SOAs): 70, 150 and 230 ms. Older adults who self-reported a higher daily consumption of FV were less susceptible to the SIFI at the longest versus shortest SOAs (i.e. increased temporal precision) compared to those reporting the lowest daily consumption (p = .013). In contrast, older adults reporting a higher daily consumption of FSS items were more susceptible to the SIFI at the longer versus shortest SOAs (i.e. reduced temporal precision) compared to those reporting the lowest daily consumption (p < .001). The temporal precision of multisensory integration is differentially associated with levels of daily consumption of FV versus products high in FSS, consistent with broader evidence that habitual diet is associated with brain health.

Efectividad del consumo de frutas y verduras sobre los síntomas y episodios asmáticos: Una revisión sistemática

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic disease, so it is essential to adhere to good treatment and follow the recommendations appropriatel, Objective: to determine the effectiveness of recommending the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) on the reduction of asthma attacks, including Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) scores, Methods: The search was performed in the electronic databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library. Studies were included that applied at least one intervention or recommendation for FV consumption in patients with asthma, airway inflammation and other associated problems. Two independent reviewers assessed the selected studies and measured risk of bias. Relevant information was summarized and combined with random effect meta-analysis (DerSimonian-Laird). RevMan 5.4 was applied. Finally, the degree of recommendation was evaluated with GRADE-pro, Results: Three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) totaling 197 subjects were identified. A decrease in asthma symptoms was observed according to the ACQ, but not statistically significant (-0.20; 95% CI: -0.59, 0.19). Furthermore, interleukin-6 also did not present significance 0.20 (95% CI: -0.06, 0.46). The nature of the design of the meta-analyzed studies allows a high and moderate degree of recommendation to be scored, respectively. The findings in general suggest that FV intake can generate favorable changes in asthma and its prevention. However, this study failed to demonstrate this statistically, Conclusion: It is necessary that more RCTs be carried out to increase the power of the evidence and update the available information.

Food neophobia amongst young Korean adults in their 20s: Its association with preference, acceptance, and perceived intake of fruits and vegetables

This study aimed to investigate whether FN (food neophobia) persistence into adulthood could be associated with preference, acceptance, and perceived daily intake of FV (fruits and vegetables) among young Korean adults in their 20s, along with exploring the moderating role of the frequency of FV consumption during childhood. An online survey was conducted from February 19 to 24, 2020 with 1277 young Korean adults (men: 570, women: 707). Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed to examine the associations between FN and FV preference and acceptance. Multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to explore the association of FN with perceived daily intake of FV. Generally, the study results showed that FN had a significant negative association with preference, acceptance, and perceived daily intake of FV among young Korean adults in their 20s. These negative associations seemed more pronounced with vegetables than with fruits. In addition, the results revealed that the frequency of FV consumption in childhood was likely to have a significant positive association with preference, acceptance, and perceived daily intake of FV later in young adulthood. Overall, the current study implies that more timely interventional efforts to improve FN are required to promote FV consumption in early adulthood and beyond. It may contribute to the development of dietary interventions or policy measures to promote FV consumption among young Korean adults and further serve as a reference for future studies on adult FN.

Mediators and moderators of the effects of a school-based intervention on adolescents' fruit and vegetable consumption: the HEIA study.

To examine whether targeted determinants mediated the effects of the HEalth In Adolescents (HEIA) intervention on fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and explore if these mediating effects were moderated by sex, parental education or weight status. Cluster-randomised controlled trial. The HEIA study (2007-2009) was a Norwegian 20-month multi-component school-based intervention to promote healthy weight development. FV consumption and targeted determinants were self-reported at baseline, mid-way (8 months) and post-intervention (20 months). Adolescents (11-13-year-old) in twenty-five control schools (n 746) and twelve intervention schools (n 375). At post-intervention, more adolescents in the intervention group compared with the control group had knowledge of the FV recommendations (OR: 1·4, 95 % CI 1·1, 1·9) and reported a decreased availability of vegetables at home (β: -0·1, 95 % CI -0·2, 0·0). Availability/accessibility of FV at home, availability of vegetables at dinner, taste preferences for different types of FV and knowledge of the FV recommendations were positively associated with the consumption of FV. However, none of the post-intervention determinants significantly mediated the intervention effects on FV consumption. Although no moderating influences by sex, parental education or weights status were observed on the mediating effects, exploratory analyses revealed significant moderations in the b-paths. Since none of the targeted determinants could explain the increase in FV consumption, it remains unclear why the intervention was effective. Reporting on a wide range of mediators and moderators in school-based interventions is needed to reveal the pathways through which intervention effects are achieved.

Relationship between home garden ownership and the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

This study assessed the extent to which access to home gardens associate with the frequency of fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption. The study was carried out in fifty rural communities in Northern Ghana where food insecurity and malnutrition including micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent. A community-based comparative analytical cross-sectional study. A sample of 847 randomly selected rural households. The proportion of households that consumed FV at least 3 d in a week was 45 %. Members in households who owned a home garden were 1·5 times more likely to consume FV at least 3 d in a week (adjusted OR (AOR) = 1·46 (95 % CI 1·06-2·0)), compared with their counterparts who had no home gardens. Furthermore, households in which mothers had a positive attitude towards FV consumption were 1·6 times more likely to consume FV (AOR = 1·63 (95 % CI 1·17-2·27)) compared with mothers who were less positive. Our results suggest that food and nutrition policy measures that promote home gardens can improve consumption of diversified diets including FV among vulnerable rural households in Northern Ghana. Additionally, households with lower income may benefit from nutrition behaviour change communication campaigns directed towards increasing a positive attitude to FV intake.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Expenditure on Fruits and Vegetables: A Comparison Between Low-Income and High-Income Households

The present study is the first to our knowledge to use quantile regressions to explore the effects of sociodemographic and household factors on consumption expenditure on fruits and vegetables (FV) among households of different income groups. Data from the Malaysian Household Expenditure Surveys 2014 and 2016 were used for pooled cross-sectional analyses. Quantile regressions were utilised to examine factors affecting household expenditure on FV at different ranges of the expenditure. Results showed that low-, medium- and high-income households headed by younger adults (&lt; 60 years), females, less-educated individuals, Bumiputera and unemployed individuals spent less on FV compared with those headed by older adults (≥ 60 years), males, welleducated individuals, non-Bumiputera and employed individuals. Furthermore, there were positive relationships between quantiles of FV expenditure and household income, rural households, tobacco consumption, and health insurance spending. In conclusion, household heads’ sociodemographic characteristics and household profiles play an important role in influencing household expenditure on FV. Findings obtained in the present study can assist policymakers in formulating better intervention measures and assistance directed toward improving FV intake. Policymakers could consider subsidising FV purchases and promoting FV consumption among female-headed households. Additionally, health awareness programmes could target urban households with single and less-educated heads.

Fruits and vegetable consumption, and its association with hypertension among women in Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to examine the association between fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) and the risk of hypertension among women in Ghana. Data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey were used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using Stata version 14. The study reports the adjusted OR (AOR) and CI. Ghana. A total sample of 4168 women was used in the analysis. Among women who met the WHO's recommended intake of FVC, 13·1 % had hypertension. The intake of the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables was not significantly associated with hypertension. However, the likelihood of being hypertensive was significantly associated with increasing age (AOR = 6·1; 95 % CI = 4·29, 8·73), being married (AOR = 1·7; 95 % CI = 1·14, 2·57) or formerly married (AOR = 2·3; 95 % CI = 1·44, 3·70), and being overweight (AOR = 1·6; 95 % CI = 1·24, 2·07) or obese (AOR = 2·4; 95 % CI = 1·82, 3·20). The study concludes that there is no significant association between FVC and hypertension risk among women in Ghana. While this study did not find a significant association between FVC and hypertension risk among women in Ghana, it underscores the point that other multifaceted factors influence hypertension risk. As such, public health campaigns should emphasise a balanced and holistic approach to promoting cardiovascular health, including factors beyond FVC. The findings also highlight the need to target high-risk populations (i.e. older women, married and formerly married women, and overweight or obese women) with hypertension prevention education and related interventions.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake of Females Before, During, and After Introduction of 3 Bundled Food System Interventions in Urban Vietnam and Nigeria

BackgroundLow fruit and vegetable (FV) intake in low- and middle-income countries, which is associated with noncommunicable diseases and micronutrient deficiencies, requires food system interventions addressing FV accessibility, affordability, and acceptability. Periodic FV intake monitoring during interventions informs progress toward achieving increased intakes and contributes to understanding the effectiveness of these interventions. ObjectivesThis study evaluates the trend in FV intake before, during, and after implementation of a set of nutrition-sensitive food system interventions addressing accessibility, affordability, and acceptability to increase FV consumption over a 1-y period in Vietnamese and Nigerian low-income urban and periurban females. MethodsWe used the Diet Quality Questionnaire to assess FV food group consumption among 600 Vietnamese (Hanoi) and 610 Nigerian (Ibadan) females before, during, and after the interventions (Vietnam: July 2020–September 2021; Nigeria: November 2020–December 2021). A FV score was compared between exposure groups with (mixed) count modeling. The trend in consumption of individual FV groups was analyzed with mixed logistic regression. ResultsThe FV score was stable over time, and a small increase was observed after the intervention period especially in Nigeria and in urban Vietnam. A decrease in the total score was observed in periurban Vietnam. Fluctuations were detected in the probability of consumption of individual FV groups over time especially within the fruit groups, probably due to seasonal availability. The degree of exposure could not explain differences in FV intake. ConclusionsWe found a marginal increase in the proportion of females consuming FV during the interventions in both countries. The FV score appeared to be a simple, quick, and easy-to-use indicator for monitoring diversity, variety, and consumption.

Evidence for Criterion-Related Validity of Pressure-Mediated Reflection Spectroscopy for Approximating Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Preschool Children

BackgroundSkin carotenoids are a valid biomarker for approximating fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC). Veggie Meter® (VM®, Longevity Link Corp.) is a pressure-mediated reflection spectroscopy (RS)-based device that allows for noninvasive and rapid assessment of skin-carotenoid score (SCS) in adults and children. Although VM® is established as a valid tool to measure FVC in adults, there is limited research supporting the validity evidence of the VM® to approximate FVC among preschool children. ObjectiveThe current study aims to assess evidence supporting the criterion-related validity of RS-based SCS for approximating FVC among preschool children (3–5-y old). MethodsWe collected cross-sectional data from typically developing preschool children (n = 136) attending the Child and Adult Care Food Program-participating family child care home settings (FCCHs) (n = 46) in Nebraska. Research team members collected children’s height and weight to calculate body mass index; and measured children’s SCS using the VM®. Children’s FVC in FCCHs were collected using dietary observation. In addition, parents (n = 89) completed a shortened food frequency questionnaire to report children’s FVC at home. Kendall’s Tau (τ) correlation tests were conducted to measure the association between children’s SCS with FVC in FCCHs and with parent-reported total fruit and vegetable (FV) frequency scores. ResultsChildren’s SCS were significantly correlated with their mean FVC in FCCHs, τ = 0.14 (P = 0.02), total provitamin A carotenoids intake in FCCHs, τ = 0.19 (P < 0.001), and with parent-reported total FV frequency score, τ = 0.16 (P = 0.04). ConclusionThe correlation coefficients in this study are comparable with results from a meta-analysis examining associations between FVC and SCS in 7–10-y-old children (r = 0.20). Thus, evidence suggests that RS offers a potentially valid, objective, and feasible method to assess preschool children’s total FVC in multiple settings, especially in conjunction with other dietary assessment tools.

Consumer Profiles of Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in the European Union

Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) advocating a healthy and balanced diet for consumers for many years, inadequate fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption remains a substantial issue with economic, social, environmental, and nutritional implications. This study aims to identify consumer profiles for sustainable fruit and vegetable consumption in the European Union, considering specific demographic and socio-economic factors. The analysis is based on data from the 2019 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). This article provides a clear understanding of how gender, age, education level, income, and place of residence relate to sustainable FV consumption through a principal component analysis (PCA). By defining consumer profiles linked to sustainable and healthy FV consumption, the study aids in creating cohesive goals for promoting health within European society. The results of the PCA reveal four distinct consumer profiles and enhance our understanding of the factors influencing these profiles. These findings align with previous research, indicating that consumer profiles remain relatively consistent. According to the PCA classification, sustainable fruit and vegetable consumption is more prevalent among women, educated individuals, higher-income consumers, and those over 55 years old. In contrast, the opposite profile consists of consumers with lower income, younger and middle-aged individuals, men, and those with less than a high school education, highlighting the need for effective strategies to promote a healthier diet in this group. Countries with lower economic development, reflected in consumer incomes, deviate the most from the recommended “at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day” consumption pattern, and do not exhibit a sustainable consumption model. Thus, continued monitoring of consumer profiles is essential, with a focus on both the quantity and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as strategies aiming to increase their intake.

Environmental impact and nutritional quality of adult diet in France based on fruit and vegetable intakes

PurposeTo describe the nutritional quality and environmental impact of self-selected diets of adults in France in relation to their fruit and vegetable (FV) intakes.MethodsEstimates of food and nutrient intakes were taken from the national INCA3 Survey on food intakes carried out in France in 2014–2015. The population (n = 2121 adults) was split into five quintiles of FV intakes, in g/d (Q1 representing the lowest intake, and Q5 the highest). The nutritional quality of diets was assessed through 4 indicators: mean adequacy ratio (MAR), solid energy density, mean excess ratio (MER) and Programme National Nutrition Santé guideline score 2 (PNNS-GS2). The environmental impacts were measured with environmental footprint (EF) scores and 4 additional indicators: climate change, ozone depletion, fine particulate matter and water use. Indicators were compared between quintiles. Analysis was conducted on diets adjusted to 2000 kcal.ResultsMAR and PNNS-GS2 increased with increased FV quintiles, while solid energy density decreased. Fibre, potassium, vitamin B9 and vitamin C densities increased with increasing FV intakes. Climate change, ozone depletion and fine particulate matter impacts of diets decreased with increasing quintiles of FV consumption. Conversely, water use impact increased.ConclusionHigher intake of FV is associated with higher nutritional quality of diets and lower environmental impact, except for water use. Given the benefits of fruit and vegetables for human health and the environment, their negative impact on water use could be improved by working on the agricultural upstream, rather than by changing individuals’ food choices and reducing their consumption.

Adequate fruit and vegetable consumption and its association with overnutrition among primary school-aged children

Overnutrition among school-aged children increases substantially over the last decade. Among the direct causes of overweight/obesity is inadequate intake of fruit and vegetable. Prior studies have shown that fruit and vegetable (FV) is not merely the main source of vitamins andminerals, but also playing role on preventing weight gain through satiety regulation. This study aims to determine the association of FV consumption adequacy among 5-12 years schoolers and their overnutrition status. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jakarta and Depok, carried out on 57 children who filled out an online questionnaire survey. Respondents’ characteristics were obtained through the self-administered online questionnaire. BMI for age z-score (BAZ) was calculated from the self-reported recall of body weight and height. The FV consumption was evaluated using the WHO STEP-wise questionnaire. Respondent’s characteristics were presented in frequency and percentage, while association test was done using Fisher Exact test (CI 95%). In this study, 40,4% of children were overweight and most children did not consume adequate portions of fruit and vegetable (73,7% and 57,9%, respectively). There are no significant association between FV consumption and children’s overnutrition (p= 0,171 and p= 0,788, respectively; CI 95%). Overall, a high proportion of children overnutrition was observed. However, there is no significant association was found between fruit and vegetable consumption and children’s overnutrition. There is a need for specific regulations and practices that may engage children in consuming fruit and vegetable on the daily basis.

Vegetable and fruit consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown: eating habits in Ecuador

This study identifies changes in fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption habits during the COVID-19 pandemic in Quito-Ecuador and observe relationships regarding household income and the relevance of FV nutritional value. The study used an online survey among urban residents (n = 1093) in Quito-Ecuador, regarding FV consumption patterns during the lockdown along with household socioeconomic status. A multiple response logistic model was used to analyse changes in FV eating habits across four income categories. Income had a statistically significant effect over the healthy food consumption of FV for the low- and high-income category. Families did not change eating habits nor decide to maintain a diet based on differences of income. Further, approximately two thirds of the families increased FV consumption during the lockdown. Eating habits changed during the lockdown of urban households in Ecuador. Income explained changes in FV consumption for low- and high-income households but did not for the middle-income group. Households that purchased more FV had a higher perception of their own healthy eating habits. The consumption of FV with high content of vitamin C increased, however, families did not purchase products with the highest vitamin-C content.

Does School Gardening and Nutrition Education Improve Knowledge and Fruit-Vegetable Consumption Among Elementary School Students?

Background: Although scientific evidence has revealed the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) for children, 96.8% of age school children in Indonesia and 70.6% of primary school students in Jakarta did not have FVC as recommended. Aims: to assess how Muhammadiyah Elementary School Students’ knowledge and FVC were affected by school gardening and nutrition education. Methods: Following 6 monthly program, knowledge and FVC were assessed by using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) and knowledge questionnaire. Results: 1) There is a significant increase in students’ knowledge scores from 43.24 ± 14.24 to 70.31 ± 18.92 (P-value 0.000). 4); 2) The mean of FCV was elevated from 211.45±12.33 to 289.76±19.64, however, it was not statistically significant (P-Value of 0.058). Conclusion: Although knowledge has been improved following 6 months program, the FVC level was not dramatically enhanced. Future similar activities need to be done in a non-pandemic situation and should be lengthened into more than 6 months to portray a significant increase in FVC.

Influence of knowledge, attitude and practices of consumers on the consumption of hydroponically grown fruits and vegetables in Kiambu County, Kenya

Fruits and vegetables are culturally accepted foods consumed by a majority of people worldwide. Knowledge, attitude and practices of consumers have been found to influence the choice and consumption of foods in many populations. However, little is known on their impact on consumption of foods that are produced using novel farming methods such as hydroponic farming, in Kenya. For this reason, this study assessed the influence of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on the frequency of consumption of hydroponically grown fruits and vegetables (FAVs) in Kiambu County, Kenya. A cross-sectional design, involving a consumer survey of 310 randomly selected participants, was used. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to conduct face-to-face interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS where descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were applied. The results showed that a majority of the participants (89%) had good knowledge about the quality and safety of hydroponically grown FAVs. They also used good practices in handling the FAVs (69%). However, the overall attitude towards hydroponic foods was negative (2.54±1.204). With regard to the influence of KAP on the frequency consumption of FAVs, knowledge was the only predictor of the frequency of consumption of fruits (p=0.002, β=1.639) and vegetables (p=0.044, β=1.232). Based on sociodemographic factors, age and the level of education significantly influenced the frequency of consumption of FAVs. In conclusion, the frequency of consumption of hydroponic FAVs is influenced by the level of knowledge of consumers on the quality and safety of foods grown in this system. Nutrition education on the quality and safety of hydroponically grown foods should be conducted so that consumers are informed about the hydroponically grown nutritious foods and also gain a positive attitude towards this new sustainable farming system.

Association of fruit and vegetable intake with predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk among hypertensive patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveIn low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, few studies have evaluated the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among hypertensive patients. We assessed the 10-year CVD risk of hypertensive patients.DesignThis cross-sectional study...