ABSTRACT

Over the years, it has been observed that students are more inclined towards taking empty calorie foods with little consideration for healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables. this has the tendency to pre-disposing them to obesity, dental caries and other non-communicable diseases in later years. The general objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude towards the consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescent girls in two boarding schools at Owerri Municipal Local Government Area, Imo State.

This cross-sectional survey involved the use of a double-stage sampling technique. A simple random sampling using balloting procedure was employed in selection of respondents in the federal government school, While systematic random sampling was used in the selection of students at the private school. Data were collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 15-point knowledge and 12-point attitude scales on consumption of fruits and vegetables. Knowledge scores of <10 and ≥11 were rated as poor while attitude scores of <8 and ≥9 were classified as negative and positive respectively.

Age of respondents 181(45.3%) are the age group 13-14 years reveals the majority of respondent. Majority (74.9%) had good knowledge of health benefits of consumption of fruits and vegetables, while 35.8% had positive attitude towards consumption of fruits and vegetables. those who have good knowledge of fruits and vegetables among respondents are represented respectfully (19.3%) in JSS1, (24.6%) in JSS2 and (29.6%) in JSS3. The test of significance provides enough statistical evidence to conclude that respondents class is significantly associated with their knowledge of fruits and vegetables (χ²=20.806, df = 6, p-value = 0.002). The test of significance provides enough statistical evidence to conclude that the respondents mother educational qualification is significantly associated with their attitude towards consumption of fruits and vegetables (χ² = 27.714, df = 16, p-value = 0.034).

Respondents were knowledgeable and had positive attitude towards consumption of fruits and vegetables while the frequency was low. Thus, secondary school students should be further enlightened on the importance of consumption of fruits and vegetables.