ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to assess fruit and vegetable consumption pattern and the association with prevalence of selected NCDs among adults in Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 randomly selected adults (18 -60 years). Food frequency questionnaire and 24 hour dietary recall were used to assess fruit and vegetable consumption. Average daily intake of  5 serving of fruits and vegetable was considered adequate intake. Anthropometric methods of height, weight, waist and hip circumference as well as blood pressure were measured following standard procedures. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from height and weight measurements. Fasting blood glucose level was used to assess diabetes. Blood pressure measurement was done to assess hypertension. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adults (PAQ). Categorical variables were presented using frequency distribution, tables and graphs. Independent T-test was used to compare variables based on sex. The association of adequate fruits and vegetables with prevalence of NCDs was determined using Chi square and logistic regression. Result of the study showed that 57.5% of participants were civil servants, had attained tertiary education level (75.1%), and earned above ₦100,000 (34.1%). Slightly more than half (55.6%) of the participants had fair knowledge of the importance of FVs consumption. Availability (32%) and health reasons (20.9%) were the dominant reasons for choice of FVs consumed. Physical activity level of 66.7% participants did not meet WHO recommendation (> 600 MET-minutes/week) especially for adults older than 50 years. Men were significantly more physically active than women (p=0.028). Many of the adults did not smoke (87.8%) or consume alcohol (64.3%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 46% and 24.6%, respectively. Females had significantly higher WHR compared to men (p<0.05). The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes were 58.7% and 6.7%, respectively. The prevalence of adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables in this study was 21.2% and 16.7% respectively. Nutrient intake was generally below FAO/WHO/UNU recommendations. Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) was 58.52% and 56.72% for men and women, respectively. A significant association was found between BMI and adequate fruit and vegetable consumption. The study participants had low fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity level, and diabetes. However, the prevalence of hypertension, obesity and overweight were high. Therefore, promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption and increased availability of FVs varieties by relevant sectors in Rivers State are recommended.