Fruits and vegetables intake are associated with ethnicity and socio‐demographic factors in Mauritius

Abstract

PurposeFruits and vegetables intake (FVI) in the human diet is strongly related to health status and incidence of diseases. The purpose of this paper is to hypothesize that demographic factors and food insecurity could be associated with the frequency of FVI in a multicultural community such as Mauritius.Design/methodology/approachInformation pertaining to socio‐demographic factors, anthropometric measurements, medical history, lifestyle factors, reason(s) for dietary choice and food insecurity factors were amassed randomly from 374 adults.FindingsThe mean FVI was found to be significantly lower (p<0.05) for the food insecure respondents (n=39). Also, significant (p<0.05) associations between FVI and the level of education (p=0.031 and p=0.012, respectively), ethnic groups (p=0.028 and p=0.013, respectively), income ranges (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), and food insecurity (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) were noted. A high income was also significantly related to a higher FVI. With respect to disease occurrence, a significant (p=0.035) relationship was found with respect to FVI and respiratory diseases.Originality/valueThe paper shows that there is a pressing need to re‐evaluate efficiency of existing nutrition policies and programs. Also that it is important to establish more sensitization campaigns geared towards the above‐mentioned target groups with respect to FVI. Authorities concerned should also endeavour to achieve affordable, accessible and safe fruits and vegetables as a mean to promote a healthy eating culture in Mauritius.

Factors affecting fruit and vegetable consumption and purchase behavior of adults in sub-Saharan Africa: A rapid review

“…In four studies the highest intake or purchase of fruit, vegetables or combined FV was observed among men ( 28 , 35 , 40 , 48 ). No differences between men and women, neither for fruit, nor for vegetable consumption or purchase was observed in ten studies ( 29 , 32 , 42 , 50 , 53 , 55 , 57 , 60 , 62 , 73 ).…”

“…One study among adults in Mauritius examined the frequency and also the timing of fruit consumption between age groups and found significant differences between younger and older adults and whether fruit was consumed after lunch or after dinner ( 74 ). In seven studies, no association was found between age and fruit; between age and vegetable; or age and combined FV consumption or purchase ( 28 , 29 , 32 , 42 , 50 , 57 , 62 ).…”

“…Gender in terms of biological sex differences in fruit, vegetable and combined FV consumption and purchase was investigated in 22 studies ( 28 – 30 , 32 , 33 , 35 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 46 , 48 , 50 , 52 – 55 , 57 , 60 , 62 , 64 , 67 , 73 ). A higher or more frequent intake of fruit, vegetables or combined FV in women than men, was observed across nine studies ( 30 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 46 , 52 , 54 , 64 , 67 ).…”

“…The relevance of age was examined in 21 studies ( 28 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 35 , 40 , 42 , 43 , 46 , 50 , 52 – 54 , 56 , 57 , 60 , 62 , 64 , 67 , 73 , 74 ). Twelve studies found that the frequency and quantity of fruit, combined FV, and vegetable consumption increased with increasing age ( 31 , 35 , 46 , 50 , 52 – 54 , 56 , 60 , 64 , 67 , 73 ).…”

“…The relevance of income was investigated in 15 studies ( 29 , 32 , 37 , 39 , 48 , 52 , 56 , 57 , 60 , 62 , 64 , 73 , 77 , 79 , 80 ). Nine of these studies found that the frequency and quantity of fruit, vegetable and combined FV consumption and combined FV purchase increased with higher family or household income ( 32 , 39 , 48 , 52 , 64 , 73 , 77 , 79 , 80 ). Two studies found positive associations but also opposing results or no associations ( 64 , 79 ).…”