Family Influence and Sufficient Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Different Stages of Adolescence

Sasinee Thapsuwan, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand
Sirinya Phulkerd, Mahidol University

Sufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) during adolescence can reduce risk of non-communicable diseases in older age. This study aimed to analyze prevalence of sufficient FV consumption in different stages of adolescence in Thailand, and examine association between family influences and other potential factors and sufficient FV consumption. The study used data from a nationally-representative household survey of the Thai population and selected sample of 1,367 adolescents aged 15-24 years. The study divided the sample into 2 groups: middle adolescence (15-17 years old) and late adolescence (18-24 years old). The respondents were asked about FV consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, meal consumption and family factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the variables and FV consumption. Of the total sample, 8.3% and 15.9% had sufficient FV consumption, respectively. In late adolescence aged found the adjusted OR of independent variable in relation to FV intake includes eating 3 meals every day, family support and had role model in eating. This suggests that is important for a person to have a good habit of eating enough FV, as well as support from the family and a role model for eating the right food.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth

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