Sociodemographic differences affecting insufficient fruit and vegetable intake: a population-based household survey of Thai people

Abstract

© 2019, Sirinya Phulkerd, Sasinee Thapsuwan, Natjera Thongcharoenchupong, Rossarin Soottipong Gray and Aphichat Chamratrithirong. Purpose: The sociodemographic determinants of insufficient fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in the general population in Thailand remain understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and insufficient FV consumption in Thailand. Design/methodology/approach: This nationally representative survey employed a cross-sectional multi-stage sampling design. A total of 6,991 individuals aged 15 years or older participated in the study. Information on participants' FV consumption and sociodemographic characteristics were collected via questionnaire. The data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Findings: The overall prevalence of insufficient FV consumption in the study sample was 65.6%. Age of the participants, sex, marital status, place of residence, occupation, income and education were found to be significantly associated with insufficient FV consumption among this sample of the Thai population. Originality/value: Findings suggest the need for promotion of FV consumption and intervention policies aimed at increasing FV intake by taking into account sociodemographic characteristics of the population.