The importance of fruit and vegetable consumption in the life of adolescents : a focus on area secondary schools in Malta

Abstract

This study focused on Area Secondary Form 3 students and their perceptions towards fruit and vegetable consumption. A literature review was carried out so as to acquire more knowledge about the benefits of fruit and vegetables in relation to health, as well as to gain insight of the barriers and motivators that influence adolescents' consumption of this food group. In addition, a questionnaire regarding this matter was given out to a sample of256 Area Secondary students. These results helped the researchers to plan motivating activities for the students and their parents, in order to increase their knowledge about the importance of fruit and vegetables. The activities were also aimed to bring about a behavioural and attitudinal change towards consumption of this food group, even though research shows that food preferences and patterns are formed at a very early age. Finally to assess any behavioural changes related to consumption, a record sheet was given to the students under study where they recorded the amount of fruits and vegetables that were eaten daily over a three week period. Findings have shown that the participants under study were not consuming the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables and that fruit was preferred to vegetables. Through the questionnaire analysis as well as through the observations carried out during the 'Fruit and Veggie Day', it was evident that parents and peers are the prevailing factors which influence the consumption of fruit and vegetables, both positively and negatively. Through the analysis of the record sheets it was found that although not all participants reached the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, a significant number took the challenge and tried their best to increase consumption. These results show that since behavioural change takes place in stages, intervention programmes should be carried out over a long period of time for an effective change to take place.