DETERMINANTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CONSUMPTION AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN OLORUNDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN STATE

Abstract

This study examined the factors that determine fruits and vegetables consumption among selected households in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State. A total of sixty (60) households were randomly sampled for the study. Relevant data were collected from the respondents via interview schedule and same were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that the mean age of respondents was 39.9 years, 68.3% were females, 76.7% were married and 96.7 % had varying degrees of formal education while means of household size and monthly income were found as 4 persons and ₦57,500 respectively. Findings further revealed that onion is the most frequently consumed vegetable with the mean weekly consumption of 3.12kg. This is followed by tomatoes (3.10kg), mango (2.34kg), Amaranthus (2.29kg), waterleaf (2.28kg) and citrus (2.24kg). Apple (0.52kg) is the least consumed fruit while celosia (1.39kg) is the least consumed vegetable. Results of regression analysis revealed that price of fruit and vegetable is negatively related to consumption at 5% level of significance (r = -3.116). The study concluded that the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption among the respondents is not appreciable and recommended strategic awareness campaign in the study area to bring about increased knowledge of the nutritional values of fruits and vegetables and improved consumption behavior.