Vegetable Consumption Patterns Research Articles

Efforts to Prevent Hypertension in The Kaili Tribe Community

Background: Hypertension causes many risks of premature death. The increase in hypertension sufferers in Palu City continues to fluctuate every year, the latest data for 2022 is that the number of hypertension sufferers is 7,848 cases and is in first place on the list of the highest non-communicable diseases. Based on medical record reports from the community health center, most of those suffering from hypertension complications from Kaili ethnic backgrounds are caused by lifestyle. Objective: This study aims to analyze efforts to prevent hypertension in the Kaili tribe community. Method: The type of research is qualitative research with an ethnographic approach. Data collection using independent interviews and observations. The research informants were 12 informants who were determined using the snowball sampling technique. Results: The research results show that the Kaili tribe community accepts health values in preventing hypertension through health activities such as Posbindu PTM and Sehat Friday, involving various parties. The general health protection norm is 5-30 minutes of light to heavy physical activity every day. The culture of consuming local fruit, such as bananas, is still strong with an average of 1-2 fruits per day, but the pattern of vegetable consumption is good even though there is an inappropriate habit of cooking vegetables with coconut milk. Routine health checks are carried out 1-3 times a month, including general examinations, blood pressure, blood sugar, urine and counseling. Conclusion: Suggestions for the Kaili tribe community to actively participate in health programs, so that they are aware, independent and able to avoid hypertension from an early age.

Implementation of Fuzzy Logic in Determining Recommendations for Purchasing Folic Acid Supplements based on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Patterns in Pregnant Mothers

This research aims to implement fuzzy logic in determining the level of recommendation for folic acid supplements based on the input of the amount of vegetable and fruit consumption and folic acid content. The output of the developed system is in the form of recommendation level with categories of "not recommended", "less recommended", and "recommended". This research data was obtained based on literature studies and through observation of samples of supplements containing folic acid in several related pharmacies. This research method includes direct calculations and the use of MATLAB. The results show that in the example case with the amount of vegetable and fruit consumption of 550 with a folic acid content of 175 can produce an output value of 400 which puts the recommendation level based on dosage in the "not recommended" position. This result has been verified both through direct calculation and the use of MATLAB software. Studies have concluded that the application of using of fuzzy logic can help in providing supplement levels. This contributes to considerate of decision-making in the community, especially in pregnant women, which can help determine the supplements consumed so that the fulfillment of daily consumption of folic acid content can be met.

PATTERNS OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PREVENTING HYPERTENSION IN ADOLESCENTS SURABAYA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Background: Hypertension is a health problem in the world because it is the main cause of cardiovascular disease and the number one cause of death in the world every year. Research shows hypertension can occur in the adolescent age group and its prevalence continues to increase which is the cause of hypertension in adults and the elderly. The high prevalence of hypertension in adolescents is not only caused by genetic but also behavioral factors, including lack of consumption of fruits, vegetables and physical activity. This condition shows that there is still low consumption of vegetables and fruits as well as physical activity in adolescents so that they are at risk of suffering from hypertension in adulthood. Objectives: To explore the consumption patterns of fruits, vegetables, and physical activity to prevent hypertension in students majoring in nursing at the Sutomo Surabaya campus. Methods: Qualitative research method with phenomenological approach Data collection was carried out directly using in-depth interview method. Data analysis using content analysis and thematic analysis techniques. Results: The results showed that students only consume certain types of fruits and processed vegetable forms, not all students consume vegetables and fruits every day and think that vegetables and fruits are useful for digestion, prevent various diseases including hypertension, maintain stamina and are fun foods. Most students like easy and light physical activity, although they rarely do it because of the busy work of college. Students think that physical activity is beneficial for preventing hypertension and obesity, forming a good physique and heart health, for fitness, skin health and the immune system. Conclusion: Students majoring in nursing at the Sutomo campus have not maximally applied the pattern of consumption of vegetables and fruits, physical activity even though they already know the benefits in preventing hypertension.

Consumption Pattern of Wild Edible Green Leafy Vegetables Found in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the consumption pattern of wild edible green leafy vegetables found in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State using a descriptive survey research design. The sample size for this study was two hundred and eleven (211) respondents. A four-likert scale structured questionnaire containing twenty-four (24) items was used for data collection. Data were analysed using mean scores and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that ”Yarin,” “Worowo,” “Gbure,” and “Ebolo" are major wild edible green leafy vegetables found in the study area, and their consumption is quite low. The finding showed that wild edible green leafy vegetables have benefits such as alleviating malnutrition at no cost and can be a good source of income. The findings also showed that urbanisation's preference for cultivated vegetables over wild edible green leafy vegetables, as well as uncultured ideas like ignorance and poverty and well-researched information about cultivated leafy vegetables, are among the factors influencing the intake of wild edible green leafy vegetables. The findings of this study asserted that wild edible green leafy vegetables, when compared with cultivated ones, can alleviate malnutrition, prevent micronutrient deficiency, and equally serve as a source of income at little or no cost. Therefore, it was recommended that there is a need to explore, analyse, and document that wild green edible leafy vegetables are nutritious, health-promoting, and easy to cultivate, and bring out substantial yields even under difficult climatic and edaphic conditions.

Consumption patterns of organic vegetable consumers in Ghana

The study examined organic vegetable attributes, consumer decisions and consumption patterns of consumers in Ghana. A sample of 399 consumers was selected using a simple random sampling technique and data was collected through structured questionnaires. The study analyzed the important attributes of organic vegetables using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. The factors influencing consumers' decision to consume organic vegetables and the proportion of their total expenditure allocated to organic vegetables was analyzed using Cragg's double hurdle model. Finally, ordered logit regression was employed to analyse the factors influencing the consumption patterns of organic vegetables consumers. The results revealed that consumers prioritize health concerns and sensory attributes when purchasing organic vegetables as these were identified as the most important attributes. Also, socioeconomic factors, viz. age group, educational level and income level, as well as institutional factors, viz. market type, availability of organic vegetables and accreditation, significantly influenced the decision and expenditure on organic vegetables. In addition, consumers exhibited irregular consumption patterns, and a significant proportion of consumers acquired information about organic vegetables through family and friends. Furthermore, the ordered logit regression analysis revealed several factors that significantly influenced the consumption patterns of organic vegetables. These include age category, educational level, household head, household size, income level, type of market, time to market, and accreditation. The study recommends that government and other stakeholders should consider consumers' consumption patterns, attributes of organic vegetables they consider prior to purchasing as well as factors influencing their decision-making when developing marketing strategies and policies for organic vegetable farmers. This approach can help meet consumer demands and help improve the development and promotion of organic vegetables in the market.

Cultivating communities in Mendoza, Argentina: Exploring social aspects of urban agriculture

Abstract Global food production and security are current challenges. This is reflected, among other things, in the fact that more than 690 million people suffer from hunger or food shortages. The availability of nutritious food is critical for disease control and immune function. In this context, urban agriculture is promoted as a way to ensure access to food, which has developed due to rising prices, food shortages and urban growth. However, there is a lack of in-depth knowledge on the impacts as well as barriers to implementation. Therefore, this study investigates vegetable consumption patterns in the metropolitan city of Mendoza in Argentina, as well as interest in vegetable production, opinions on urban agriculture and barriers. Quantitative research methods were used, and a citizen survey was conducted. The data was analysed using SPSS software and correlations were determined using chi-square. The results show strong interest from citizen in urban agriculture, but also barriers such as lack of time and resources. Successful implementation requires initiative, political will, and acceptance. The results are consistent with other studies and could be further explored in longitudinal studies to assess effectiveness. This is helpful given the importance of urban agriculture and vegetable consumption for sustainable food production and supply.

European consumers' preferences for fresh fruit and vegetables – A cross-country analysis

Although fresh fruit and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet, their per capita consumption in Europe is below the recommended minimum intake. This study investigates 14 product attributes of fresh fruit and vegetables in a European cross-country analysis. Based on an online survey conducted in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Norway (n = 3093), an object-case Best-Worst Scaling approach was applied. Results revealed both international and country-specific preference characteristics. Best-Worse scores revealed that freshness and taste scored highest in all five countries, while knowledge of the producer was considered the least important attribute. The study also derived three consumer segments by applying cluster analysis, with each segment assessed according to socio-demographic profiles. The novelty of the study is to offer a cross-country analysis of fresh fruit and vegetable consumption patterns in multiple European countries based on the Best-Worst Scaling approach and international segmentation. Managerial implications are proposed.

Pattern of Vegetable Consumption among Pregnant Women Attending Primary Health Care Facilities in Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: Vegetables provide key nutrients essential to promoting and maintaining good health. This study aimed to determine the perception of the importance and pattern of vegetable consumption among pregnant women attending Primary Health Care facilities in Patani Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Delta State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: A population-based descriptive cross-sectional survey of 368 pregnant women aged 15-49 years was conducted in Patani L.G.A, Plateau State, Nigeria using a multi-stage cluster random sampling design.
 Methodology: Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) data were used to estimate habitual frequency of intake of dark green leafy vegetable for previous 7 days.
 Results: Of the 368 pregnant women, age group 21-25 years and 26-30 years with prevalence of 95 (25.8%) and 90 (24.5%) respectively were the highest age groups. Two hundred and twenty-one (60.1%) agree that a maternal diet rich in vegetables and eaten during pregnancy reduces risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm birth and foetal growth restriction, and the perception of the respondents was high. Ugu leaf 257 (69.8%), Bitter leaf 173 (47.0%) and water leaf 151 (41.0%) were the most available vegetable in the respondent’s community. 19% of the respondents did not consume vegetable, 26.6% consumed vegetable seven times and 13.9% consumed vegetables three times in the last 7 days prior to the study. The mean frequency of vegetable consumption is 11.6%. 55% of respondents put vegetables into food towards the end of cooking the food. 33.4% of the respondents spent N 150- N 200 to purchase vegetable to cook.
 Conclusion: Vegetable consumption is highly nutritious especially during pregnancy. Its pattern of consumption varies depending on the perception of its importance, educational status, age group, types of vegetable available and the financial power of purchase.

Konsentrasi pencemar timbal (Pb) pada sayur lalapan di pasar tradisional dan supermarket di Kota Yogyakarta

Lalapan is a popular food consumed. The increase in population, industrial activities, transportation, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to lead (Pb) pollution in the environment, contaminating vegetables that are to be consumed and posing health risks. Therefore, research was conducted regarding the analysis of Pb pollutant concentrations in lettuce, basil and cucumber sold in traditional markets and supermarkets in the city of Yogyakarta. Samples were extracted using 65% HNO3 and 37% HCl, and then the concentration of Pb in the samples was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The research results showed that all types of vegetables sold in traditional markets and supermarkets have been contaminated with Pb with concentrations ranging from 0.418 to 1.575 mg/kg, with the highest Pb concentration was found in basil with an average of 1.5156 mg/kg. The average concentrations of Pb in lalapan sold in traditional markets and supermarkets, when compared to the quality standard set by SNI regulation (2009) for cucumber sold in supermarkets N, are still below the safe limit of 0.5 mg/kg for , while the rest have exceeded the quality standard limit. There are significant differences in the concentration of Pb pollutants in vegetables sold in markets and supermarkets, as well as based on sales location, type of vegetable, and vegetable source. The consumption pattern of vegetables ranges from 62-97 g/day and poses health risks as the RQ value is greater than 1. Additionally, it has the potential to cause cancer because ECR > E-4.

Structure of Vegetables Demand in India during Covid-19 Regime- An Econometric Approach

This study aimed to analyze the expenditure, own and cross-price elasticities of ten major vegetables in Southern India. using cross-sectional data from selected households in four southern states of India viz., Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu during 2020 to 2022. We use Working-Leser model, LA/AIDS model and QUAIDS model to compute elasticities and found QUAIDS model as the best fit. As expected the own-price elasticities for all the vegetables are negative and the expenditure elasticities are more than one, except tomato, lettuce and green sorrel. The cross-price elasticities showed that potato is complementarity to tomato, lettuce and green sorrel and the substitution effects of price change were not quite strong, except ivy gourd for bitter gourd; potato for ivy gourd and green sorrel for bitter gourd. Systematic differences in the absolute magnitudes of the expenditure elasticity and own-price elasticity were found and the demand for vegetables is largely influenced by the price change than the income/expenditure change. So, an appropriate price intervention policy by the Government may be more effective in influencing consumption pattern of vegetables enjoying more elastic demand.

Prevalence and Awareness of Risk Factors for Hypertension among Urban and Rural High School Children in the Field Practice areas Rajarajeswari Medical College, Bengaluru: A Cross Sectional Comparitive Study

It is the era of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), non-communicable diseases are the leading global cause of death, causing more deaths than all others causes combined, and they strike hardest at the world’s low and middle income populations. This was a school based cross-sectional study carried out with the objective of finding the prevalence and awareness of risk factors for selected Non-Communicable diseases(Hypertension, IHD and diabetes) among the urban and rural government high school students, with a sample size of 510 (255 urban and 255 rural) drawn by simple random sampling method. This study was conducted using a pre-tested, semistructured questionnaire based on the study done by Diwakaran et al.,With modifications made to cater the need of the study. Awareness of Hypertension was 39.8%and 30.6% (statistically significant, p = < 0.001) among the rural and urban study subjects respectively. In our study, 20.1% of rural and 28.2% of urban children were consuming fast foods daily. 64.5% of rural and 60.8% of urban children were consuming Fruits and vegetables daily. There was significant difference in Fruits and Vegetable consumption pattern was observed between two groups. Similarly14.3% of rural and 27.1% of urban children were consuming Soft Drinks daily. 20.1% of rural and 20.8% of urban children thought that re-use of cooking oil is good for health, which was statistically not significant. Awareness of risk factors like Alcohol, Tobacco, Stress / anxiety, Obesity, passive smoking as risk factors for Hypertension, was significantly higher in rural areas than in urban areas as a risk factor for HTN. Were as in urban area Awareness of Fast food consumption, reuseof cooking oil was significantly higher in urban areas.

Factors Related to Vegetable and Fruit Consumption Patterns in Students of SMP Negeri 6 South Tangerang City

Abstrak
 Latar Belakang: Pola konsumsi remaja cenderung tidak mempedulikan nilai gizi dari makanan yang dikonsumsinya sehingga menyebabkan perilaku tidak sehat. Berdasarkan Global School Health Survey (2015), mengatakan bahwa salah satu masalah yang berkaitan dengan kebiasaan makan remaja adalah kurangnya konsumsi buah dan sayuran (93,6%). Buah dan sayur merupakan sumber makanan yang mengandung vitamin dan mineral yang berguna untuk membantu menjaga fungsi fisiologis tubuh.
 Tujuan: Tujuan dalam Penelitian ini untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan pola konsumsi sayur dan buah pada siswa-siswi SMP Negeri 6 Kota Tangerang Selatan.
 Metode Penelitian: Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian analitik kuantitatif dengan desain cross sectional. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 102 orang. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner dan FFQ.
 Hasil: Berdasarkan hasil penelitian didapatkan sebesar 54,9% siswa memiliki pola konsumsi sayur dan buah kurang. Hasil uji bivariat menggunakan Chi-Square menunjukkan bahwa preferensi/kesukaan (p-value = 0,001), pengaruh orang tua (p-value = 0,028), dan ketersediaan buah dan sayur di rumah (p-value = 0,032) ada hubungan yang signifikan dengan pola konsumsi sayur dan buah. Sedangkan jenis kelamin, pengetahuan gizi, pengaruh teman sebaya, dan konsumsi fast food tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan dengan pola konsumsi sayur dan buah.
 Kesimpulan: Faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan pola konsumsi sayur dan buah adalah preferensi/kesukaan, pengaruh orang tua, dan ketersediaan buah dan sayur dirumah. Oleh karena itu, orang tua harus menyediakan sayur dan buah yang disukai anak dengan selalu menanyakan kepada anak mengenai sayuran dan buah-buahan yang disukainya.
 Kata kunci: Pola Konsumsi, Sayur dan Buah, Remaja.

TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN GIZI TERHADAP POLA KONSUMSI SAYUR DAN BUAH DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 PADA SISWA MENENGAH ATAS Level of nutritional knowledge on vegetable and fruit consumption patterns during the covid-19 pandemic in high school students

ABSTRACT One of the anticipatory measures to prevent COVID-19 is to diligently consume vitamins and minerals in accordance with the recommended balanced nutrition guidelines where the sources of these vitamins and minerals are in vegetables and fruit. Based on the Riskesdas data 2018, it shows that nationally the behavior of the population aged >10 years who consumes less vegetables and fruit is at 95.5%. This study aims to determine the relationship between the level of nutritional knowledge on fruit and vegetable consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in high school students. This research is an observational research using a cross sectional study design. The sample was selected using a simple random sampling technique. The sample is students who are classified as teenagers aged 15-18 years from class X and XI at SMAN 10 Gowa who were selected based on simple random sampling with a sample of 89 people. The results showed that the socio-economic family based on the last education of the parents had the last education in the high category, then based on the work the parents had a non-formal job category, while based on the income of the parents had an income below the minimum wage <Rp 3,250,000. The level of nutritional knowledge and consumption patterns of vegetables and fruit in SMAN 10 Gowa students are mostly in the good category. The conclusion shows that there is no significant relationship between nutritional knowledge and consumption patterns of vegetables and fruit during the covid-19 pandemic in SMA Negeri 10 Gowa students.Keywords : Comsumption Pattern, Covid-19, Nutrition Knowledge, Teenager, Vegetable and Fruit ABSTRAK Salah satu tindakan antisipasi terhadap pencegahan COVID-19 ini adalah dengan rajin mengonsumsi vitamin dan mineral sesuai dengan anjuran pedoman gizi seimbang dimana sumber vitamin dan mineral ini ada di sayur dan buah. Berdasarkan data Riskesdas 2018, menunjukkan bahwa secara nasional perilaku penduduk umur >10 tahun yang kurang mengonsumsi sayur dan buah berada di angka 95,5 %. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat pengetahuan gizi terhadap pola konsumsi buah dan sayur di masa pandemi covid-19 pada siswa menengah atas. Penelitian ini adalah jenis penelitian observasional menggunakan desain penelitian cross sectional study. Sampel dipilih dengan menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Sampel ialah siswa yang tergolong remaja berusia 15 – 18 tahun dari kelas X dan XI di SMAN 10 Gowa yang terpilih berdasarkan simple random sampling dengan jumlah sampel 89 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sosial ekonomi keluarga berdasarkan pendidikan terakhir ayah dan ibu memiliki pendidikan terakhir dengan kategori tinggi, kemudian berdasarkan pekerjaan ayah dan ibu memiliki pekerjaan kategori non-formal, sedangkan berdasarkan pendapatan ayah dan ibu memiliki pendapatan dibawah UMR < Rp 3.250.000. Tingkat pengetahun gizi serta pola konsumsi sayur dan buah pada siswa SMAN 10 Gowa sebagian besar dengan kategori baik. Kesimpulan menunjukkan bahwa tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan antara pengetahuan gizi dengan pola konsumsi sayur dan buah di masa pandemi covid-19 pada siswa SMA Negeri 10 Gowa. Kata kunci : Covid-19, Pengetahuan Gizi, Pola Konsumsi, Remaja, Sayur dan Buah

CAKRAM GIZI SEBAGAI MEDIA PENYULUHAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PENGETAHUAN DAN POLA KONSUMSI BUAH DAN SAYUR PADA ANAK

Abstract One of the problems related to eating behavior is the lack of consumption of fruits and vegetables. Consumption of fruits and vegetables with a proportion of 1-2 servings/day was 67.16%, while fruit and vegetable consumption was 3-4 servings/day a week for the age group ≥5 years of 5.00%. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using nutritional discs in the nutrition education process on maternal knowledge and consumption patterns of fruits and vegetables for children. This type of research is an experiment with a pretest-posttest control group design. Sampling using simple random sampling technique as many as 32 people. The grouping of sample members into two different treatment groups, namely the first treatment group using nutritional disc media and the second the control group using leaflet media. Based on the results of the study, it shows that there is an increase in the average knowledge of mothers and children's consumption patterns through nutrition discs media before and after nutrition education. There was an effect of nutrition education in the intervention group on maternal knowledge, and there was an effect of nutrition education in the intervention group on children's fruit and vegetable consumption patterns. It is hoped that respondents can apply the knowledge that has been obtained after giving nutrition education using nutrition disc media.Keywords: Nutritional Discs Media, Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Patterns

Pay (for it) as you go: Prepaid energy meters and the heat-or-eat dilemma

The “heat-or-eat” dilemma, a trade-off typically between food consumption and heating, may elevate public health concerns during the 2022 energy-price crisis. Our paper contributes to the literature by exploring the role of domestic energy prepayment meters (PPMs) in the heat-or-eat dilemma, focusing on the association between PPM use and fruit and vegetable consumption. Using a representative sample of 24,811 individuals residing in Great Britain (January 2019–May 2021), we find robust evidence of lower fruit and vegetable consumption amongst individuals using PPMs, compared to those using post-payment energy bill payment methods. On average, our point estimates suggest that individuals using a PPM consume 2.7 fewer portions of fruit and vegetables per week. Our findings hold when bounding analysis is employed to account for omitted variable bias. Using a suite of IV approaches to further alleviate endogeneity concerns we found that our ordinary least squares results are consistent as opposed to IV models. Further robustness analyses highlight the deleterious impact of PPMs on people's healthy eating habits relevant to the consumption of enough fruit and vegetables. Our results suggest that targeted support for PPM users may have beneficial effects on people's fruit and vegetable consumption patterns.

Adiposity in preadolescent children: Associations with cardiorespiratory fitness.

Lifestyle factors contribute to childhood obesity risk, however it is unclear which lifestyle factors are most strongly associated with childhood obesity. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to simultaneously investigate the associations among dietary patterns, activity behaviors, and physical fitness with adiposity (body fat %, fat mass, body mass index [BMI], and waist to hip ratio) in preadolescent children. Preadolescent children (N = 392, 50% female, age: 9.5 ± 1.1year, BMI: 17.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2) were recruited. Body fat (%) and fat mass (kg) were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max), muscular strength (hand-grip strength), activity, sleep, and dietary pattern was assessed. Multivariable analysis revealed that cardiorespiratory fitness associated most strongly with all four indicators of adiposity (body fat (%) (β = -0.2; p < .001), fat mass (β = -0.2; p < .001), BMI (β = -0.1; p < .001) and waist to hip ratio (β = -0.2; p < .001). Additionally, fruit and vegetable consumption patterns were associated with body fat percentage, but the association was negligible (β = 0.1; p = 0.015). Therefore, future interventions should aim to promote the use of cardiorespiratory fitness as a means of reducing the obesity epidemic in children.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Patterns and Risk of Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle among University Students in Kenya.

This study assesses the fruit and vegetable consumption patterns and risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle (CDL) among young adults attending Kenyatta University, Kenya. Four hundred and twenty-three young adults aged 19–30 years participated in the cross-sectional study. Males were 75.0% less likely to be overweight than females (OR = 0.25; 0.13–0.47). The mean overall consumption of fruit and/or vegetables amounted to 3.6 servings in a typical day. Eight in ten participants consumed lower amounts of fruits and vegetables than recommended by the WHO. At least one combined risk factor of CDL was observed among 91.3% of the young adults. About 8.7% of the participants were classified as low risk for CDL (having none of the five risk factors), 48.9% had one risk factor, 32.9% had two risk factors, 8.5% had three risk factors, while 0.9% had four risk factors. A significant relationship between daily fruit consumption and waist circumference was observed. These findings show the dire need to develop public health nutrition activities aimed at increasing the intake of fruit and vegetables and sensitizing young adults, and the general population, to the risk factors of CDL.

Food Insecurity, Perceived Access, and Dietary Diversity Among Produce Prescription Program Participants in South Georgia

ObjectivesInvestigate the relationships between food insecurity, perceived food access, and dietary patterns among Produce Prescription Program participants (n = 81) at baseline using regression analysis. MethodsThe Open Hand Atlanta Cooking Matters Produce Prescription Program adopts a holistic approach to nutrition intervention combining cooking classes, nutrition education, and weekly boxes of local produce over a six-month period. Baseline program data collected in South Georgia during 2021 were used to examine the impact of food security and perceived food access of dietary diversity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and dietary behaviors among participants. Regression analyses included food insecurity status dichotomized based on the USDA 6-item criteria, perceived fruit and vegetable availability, and perceived fruit and vegetable affordability. Outcome measures included the number of unique fruits and vegetables consumed in the previous 24-hours, a composite diet score based on a modified food frequency questionnaire, a composite healthy purchasing score, and a composite resource management score. All models controlled for sex, age, income, and education of participants. ResultsNeither food insecurity nor perceptions of fruit and vegetable availability and affordability had direct effects on baseline fruit and vegetable consumption or dietary patterns among participants. Food security had a moderate effect on resource management such that food secure participants endorsed a lower typical frequency of resource management behaviors (β = –2.8, 95% CI [–5.4, –0.15]). Similarly, food security had a moderate effect on healthy purchasing scores such that food secure participants endorsed a lower frequency typical frequency of healthy purchasing behaviors (β = –4.1, 95% CI [–7.8, –0.44]). ConclusionsPrior to a Produce Prescription Program intervention, food secure participants had lower resource management and healthy purchasing scores than those who were food insecure. Funding SourcesOpen Hand Atlanta.

Understanding SNAP Recipient Characteristics to Guide Equitable Expansion of Nutrition Incentive Programs in Diverse Food Retail Settings.

Structural barriers, such as food costs, reduce access to healthy foods for populations with limited income, including those benefitting from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Nutrition incentive programs seek to address this barrier. Evaluations of SNAP-based incentive programming often focus on one setting (i.e., either farmers’ markets or grocery stores). We examined use patterns, characteristics, and preferences among 253 SNAP consumers with access to incentive programming at both a farmers’ market and a grocery store located within five miles of their home. Cross-sectional survey data were collected in 2019 in two Ohio cities. Despite geographic access, 45% of those surveyed were not using the incentive program; most non-users (80.5%) were unaware of the program. Program users compared to non-users had higher household incomes (p < 0.001) and knew more people using the program (p < 0.001). Grocery stores were the most common setting of use (59%); 29% used at farmers’ markets; 11% used in both settings. User characteristics varied by store setting based on demographics, program experience, fruit and vegetable purchasing and consumption patterns, and social dynamics related to use. Our findings support comprehensive awareness-raising efforts and tailored implementation of incentive programming that attends to diverse segments of SNAP consumers to promote equity in program reach.

Estimation of Adult Equivalent Scale for Consumption Expenditure of Food and Non-food Items with Special Reference to Fruits and Vegetables in Rural and Urban Households of Junagadh District of Gujarat

Consumption is an integral part of our life. Consumer patterns change for both micro and macro reasons. The per capita availability of vegetable was 415.76 gms/day and fruits was 228.79 gms/day in 2019-20 in India which was far below the quantity recommended by WHO. Therefore, it is important to understand changing consumption pattern of fruits and vegetables as well as food and non-food items in rural and urban areas.&#x0D; The present study is based on primary data and hence the household data pertaining to the research study from Junagadh district were collected with the help of interview method. The reference period for the study was year 2019-20 i.e. winter (November-2019 to February-2020), summer (March to June-2020) and monsoon (July to October-2020). The data were analyzed using tabular analysis, regression analysis without intercept for calculating adult equivalent scale (AES)&#x0D; The estimates of adult equivalent scales for main commodity group for different seasons for rural households revealed that the females in age group of 20-40 years accounted for the maximum expenditure share in total fruits and vegetables (TFV), total food (TF), total non-food (TNF) and total expenditure (TOT) commodities groups in all the seasons.&#x0D; In urban households, the adolescent (13-20 years) accounted for the largest proportionate share of expenditure in in TFV commodities groups in all the seasons. For TF and TNF commodity groups, 20-40 years male age groups accounted for the highest share in expenditure in winter and summer seasons while adolescent age group (13-20 years) which accounted for the highest expenditure share in summer season. In TOT commodity group, adolescent of 13-20 years accounted for the highest proportionate share of expenditure in winter and summer seasons whereas it was females in age group of (20-40 years in monsoon season.&#x0D; In overall households, the females in age group of 20-40 years accounted for the maximum expenditure share in TFV commodities groups in winter and summer seasons whereas, it was maximum in monsoon season for the males in age group of 20-40 years. For other commodity groups i.e.TF, TNF and TOT in all seasons, the female in 20-40 years age group accounted for the largest proportionate share of expenditure in different seasons.