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.
CHUKWUMAIKEM, C (2025). Influence Of Locus Of Control On Conumption Of Fruits And Vegetables Among Adolescents In Private Secondary Schools In Umuahia North, Abia State:-Chukwumaikem, Favour U. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Jul 09, 2025, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/influence-of-locus-of-control-on-conumption-of-fruits-and-vegetables-among-adolescents-in-private-secondary-schools-in-umuahia-north-abia-state-chukwumaikem-favour-u-7-2
CHUKWUMAIKEM, CHUKWUMAIKEM. "Influence Of Locus Of Control On Conumption Of Fruits And Vegetables Among Adolescents In Private Secondary Schools In Umuahia North, Abia State:-Chukwumaikem, Favour U" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 08 Jul. 2025, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/influence-of-locus-of-control-on-conumption-of-fruits-and-vegetables-among-adolescents-in-private-secondary-schools-in-umuahia-north-abia-state-chukwumaikem-favour-u-7-2. Accessed 09 Jul. 2025.
CHUKWUMAIKEM, CHUKWUMAIKEM. "Influence Of Locus Of Control On Conumption Of Fruits And Vegetables Among Adolescents In Private Secondary Schools In Umuahia North, Abia State:-Chukwumaikem, Favour U". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 08 Jul. 2025. Web. 09 Jul. 2025. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/influence-of-locus-of-control-on-conumption-of-fruits-and-vegetables-among-adolescents-in-private-secondary-schools-in-umuahia-north-abia-state-chukwumaikem-favour-u-7-2 >.
CHUKWUMAIKEM, CHUKWUMAIKEM. "Influence Of Locus Of Control On Conumption Of Fruits And Vegetables Among Adolescents In Private Secondary Schools In Umuahia North, Abia State:-Chukwumaikem, Favour U" Mouau.afribary.org (2025). Accessed 09 Jul. 2025. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/influence-of-locus-of-control-on-conumption-of-fruits-and-vegetables-among-adolescents-in-private-secondary-schools-in-umuahia-north-abia-state-chukwumaikem-favour-u-7-2