ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the consumption patterns of fruits and vegetables among adolescents and the influence of socio-demographic factors, such as age, gender, class level, and parental education, as well as the health locus of control on dietary behaviors. A total of 146 adolescents, comprising 67 females (45.9%) and 79 males (54.1%), participated in the study. The participants were categorized into three age groups (10-13 years, 14-16 years, and 17-19 years) and four class levels (JSS1, JSS2, SSS1, and SSS2). The study assessed fruit and vegetable consumption through two key measures: frequency of intake (three times per week) and recent consumption (within the past 24 hours). The results revealed that both green leafy vegetables and vitamin A-rich fruits were consumed most frequently among the adolescents, with 50% of females and males reporting regular intake. The mean consumption for females was higher (M = 3.55, SD = 0.84) compared to males (M = 3.11, SD = 1.09), suggesting gender differences in dietary habits. Adolescents who displayed a higher internal locus of control were more likely to consume fruits and vegetables regularly. Specifically, those who felt more personally responsible for their dietary choices had a significantly higher mean score for fruit and vegetable intake, supporting the role of self-efficacy and personal responsibility in promoting healthy eating behaviors (Bandura, 1998). In terms of age, the category 14-16years of age group demonstrated the highest fruit and vegetable consumption, with significant positive correlations between age and intake frequency (r = 0.22, p < 0.01 for females and r = -0.22, p < 0.01 for males). Older adolescents were more likely to make autonomous decisions regarding food choices, reflecting an increase in dietary awareness and control over time. Maternal education, particularly tertiary education, was also positively correlated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption (r = 0.13, p < 0.12 for females). These findings suggest that adolescents from households with educated mothers tend to consume a healthier diet, which is consistent with previous studies linking parental education to improved dietary habits in children (Story et al., 2020). Moreover, external factors such as parental and peer influence (external locus of control) played a significant role in shaping food choices, with adolescents reporting that their eating habits were often influenced by family members and friends. The study found that those who perceived less control over their food choices due to external pressures were less likely to consume fruits and vegetables regularly, emphasizing the need for interventions that address both internal and external determinants of dietary behavior. In conclusion, the findings highlight the multifaceted nature of adolescent nutrition, with socio-demographic factors, health locus of control, and environmental influences all playing critical roles in shaping dietary behaviors. The study suggests that improving adolescents' health locus of control and increasing parental education, particularly maternal education, can contribute to better dietary outcomes. Furthermore, interventions aimed at promoting healthy eating should incorporate strategies to strengthen both internal control (empowerment) and external support (family-based nutrition education) to enhance the intake of fruits and vegetables among adolescents and reduce the risk of diet-related health issues.