Factors associated with fruits and vegetables consumption among young children in Putrajaya

Azuri, Azrul Zafri (2021) Factors associated with fruits and vegetables consumption among young children in Putrajaya. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) have several bioactive compounds and health-promoting nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, dietary fibres and phytochemicals which are considered as key components of a healthy diet. Generally, F&V consumption of young children remains low in developing and developed countries. In Malaysia, young children are recommended to consume 2 servings of fruits and 2 servings of vegetables daily. The objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with F&V consumption among young children in Putrajaya. The inclusion criteria were parents with children aged 4-6 years old, male and female, Malaysian, attended kindergarten in Putrajaya and the exclusion criteria were children with physical disabilities and chronic diseases. The parent answered a self-administrated questionnaire (Google Form) which comprised 5 sections (socio-demographic factors, parent and child F&V consumption, parent role modelling of F&V consumption and F&V availability at home). A total of 108 respondents (parents) in Putrajaya were recruited in this study. About 76.9% of the children did not meet daily recommended F&V intake (≥ 4 servings), with daily mean F&V intake of 2.60 ± 1.57 servings. Child’s age (x2=8.096; p=0.017) and parent role modelling of F&V consumption (r=0.224, p=0.020) were significantly associated with F&V consumption of young children. Additionally, parent F&V consumption (r=0.154, p=0.058) and F&V availability at home (r=0.151, p=0.118) were positively associated with F&V consumption of young children. In conclusion, child’s age, parent F&V consumption, parent role modelling of F&V consumption and F&V availability at home were associated with F&V consumption of young children. Future intervention is needed to promote F&V consumption of young children in Malaysia by conducting health promotion and awareness, policy changes in the kindergartens, nutrition education and displaying a good role model of F&V consumption.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	04 Sep 2023 04:33
Last Modified:	04 Sep 2023 04:33
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1407

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