DOES FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INTAKE DIFFER IN ADULT FEMALES AND MALES IN ISFAHAN

INTRODUCTION: Adequate intake of fruits and vegetables (at least five servings a day) is recommended as a nutritional behavior of great importance in prevention of chronic diseases. This study aimed to compare the intake of fruits and vegetables in adult males and females of Isfahan and to assess its association with personal and demographic factors, as well as seasons. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 123 healthy adults (64 males and 59 females) during the cold season (fall and winter) and warm seasons (spring and summer). Study samples were aged 30 to 60 years and were residents of Isfahan. Fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed using a 110-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire on fruits and vegetables. Validity of the questionnaire was evaluated in a pilot study through comparison with two 24-hour food recalls and four food diaries. Mean consumption of fruits and vegetables was analyzed in males and females, as well as in age and educational groups. The relationship between the amount of fruit and vegetable consumption and different factors including age, sex, level of education and occupation was determined through stepwise linear regression. RESULTS: Mean fruit consumption in men and women in cold seasons was 275.3±100.8 and 234.5±116.5 grams per day, respectively (P<0.05), and in warm seasons 217.6±95.5 and 185.3±77.1 grams per day, respectively (P<0.05). Vegetable consumption in men and women in cold seasons was 291.5±93.5 and 245.7±76.6 grams per day, respectively (P<0.05) and in warm season 197±76.3 and 166.4±60.7 grams per day, respectively (P<0.05). The proportion of men who consumed more than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day was significantly greater than women (P<0.05). Fruit and vegetable intake in men educated below junior school and high school was significantly higher than in their female counterparts (P<0.05). Fruit and vegetable intake in single men was significantly lower than in their female counterparts (P<0.05). DISCUSSION: The findings show the effectiveness of social and cultural factors on the pattern of fruit and vegetable intake.