Objective: To explore the fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and related influencing factors among urban junior students in Hangzhou.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the frequency and amount of FV consumption as well as related socio-demographic characteristics. Logistic regression method was applied to study other factors related to the amount of vegetables consumption ≥ 21 servings and fruit consumption ≥ 14 servings per week.
Results: Among 3724 junior students included in this study, 54.7% of them consumed FV daily, 23.6% consumed vegetables ≥ 21 servings and fruit ≥ 14 servings per week (equaled to vegetables ≥ 3 servings and fruit ≥ 2 servings every day). The level of FV intake was high in girls, mother with higher education, and higher family socioeconomic status (SES). After controlling 5 socio-demographic factors, data on the consumption of daily vegetables ≥ 21 servings and fruit ≥ 14 servings weekly, were positively associated with daily physical activity (PA) ≥ 60 min (OR = 1.667, 95%CI: 1.216 - 2.203), encouragement on FV intake daily by family (OR = 1.881, 95%CI: 1.498 - 2.363), positive familial attitude on the daily intake of FV (OR = 1.275, 95%CI: 1.025 - 1.586), preparation FV 3 - 6 days per week (OR = 1.691, 95%CI: 1.310 - 2.183) or daily (OR = 2.944, 95%CI: 2.348 - 3.690), family consumption of FV with children/3-6 days per week (OR = 1.392, 95%CI: 1.056 - 1.835) or on the daily base (OR = 2.817, 95%CI: 2.217 - 3.580), breakfast usually made at home (OR = 1.364, 95%CI: 1.158 - 1.607), offering FV course at school last year (OR = 1.238, 95%CI:1.035 - 1.480) and awareness on the benefit of FV (OR = 3.150, 95%CI: 1.121 - 8.856) etc. respectively.
Conclusion: Socio-demographic characteristics, daily PA, dietary pattern at home, education and awareness on the benefits of FV on health etc. were all related to the FV intake among junior students in Hangzhou.