Consumption of fruit and vegetables among elderly people: a cross sectional study from Iran

Abstract

BackgroundThere is substantial evidence that low consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess FV consumption and the variables that influence it among elderly individuals in Iran aged 60 and over.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study to investigate FV intake by a randomly-selected sample of members of elderly centers in Tehran, Iran. A multidimensional questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, daily consumption of FV, knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, perceived benefits, and barriers against FV. Data were analyzed using t-tests, one way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression.ResultsIn total, 400 elderly individuals took part in the study. The mean age of the participants was 64.07 (SD = 4.49) years, and most were female (74.5%). The mean number of FV servings per day was 1.76 (SD = 1.15). Ninety-seven percent of participants (n = 388) did not know the recommended intake was at least five servings of FV per day. Similarly, 88.3% (n = 353) did not know the size of a single serving. The most frequent perceived benefits of and barriers against FV consumption were availability and expense, respectively. Knowledge (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.39-0.88), perceived benefits (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88-0.96) and barriers (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04-1.14), self-efficacy (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83-0.95) and family support (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.83-0.99) were significantly associated with fruit and vegetable consumption.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that FV intake among elderly individuals in Iran was lower than the recommended minimum of five daily servings and varied greatly with age, marital status, educational attainment, and income level. The results also indicated that low perceived benefits, low self-efficacy, and perceived barriers could lead to lower consumption of FV. It seems that in order to improve FV consumption among elderly individuals in Iran, raising awareness, improving perception of benefits and enhancing self-efficacy regarding FV consumption should receive more attention. Indeed, it is essential to plan health education programs and nutritional interventions for this group of the population.

Exploration and forecasting of behaviours and factors relating to fruit and vegetable intake among seniors in the community

“…Among them, 'When there is alternative choice of meat, I would stick with fruits and vegetables' scored the highest (3·88 points) and 'When dining out, I would still choose fruits and vegetables' scored the lowest (3·45 points), meaning that dining out could have a negative impact on the confidence of study participants. According to Table 3, self-efficacy of fruit and vegetable intake had a significantly negative correlation (r = − 0·406, P < 0·001) with sensory disturbance, a result similar to that of Salehi et al in 2010 (20) .…”

Predictors of Stages of Change in Fruit/Vegetable Consumption based on Trans-Theoretical Model: A Population-based Study

“…Exclusion criterion was being disabled (considered as the loss or limitation of opportunities to take part in society). The sample size was calculated using the proportional FV consumption findings in a similar study about FV consumption in Iran (11). Alfa and Beta errors were considered 0.05 and 0.2, respectively.…”

“…We used the Persian version of the trans-theoretical model (TTM) questionnaire, being valid and reliable before (11). The questionnaire consisted of six questions with yes and no answers, according to six stages of change.…”

“…Some studies report the insufficient consumption of FV in elderly in different countries (9)(10)(11)(12). Such observations indicate that there is an urgent need for health promotion programs in order to increase FV consumption among this specific age group.…”

“…For example, one study in elderly population reported that only 1.5% of them were in "action" stage for FV consumption in Iran, and the most frequently perceived benefits of and barriers against that were availability and expense, respectively (11). Finding these contributing factors can help to tailor intervention strategies to the target populations and to the most important and best modifiable determinants of behavior (13).…”