Seasonality in fruit and vegetable consumptions among adults in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site, Ethiopia

Abstract

Adequate fruit and vegetable (FAV) consumption can reduces non-communicable diseases, yet about 78.0% of the global population consumes less than the recommended 400g/day. In resource-poor settings, the daily intake is largely affected by seasonality. The study assessed seasonal variations in FAV intake, the prevalence of inadequate consumption, and associated factors among adults in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance Site (AM-HDSS), southern Ethiopia, in 2020/21. A total of 472 randomly selected adults were recruited using WHO STEPS questions during pre-and-post-harvest seasons. Intake less than 400g/day was considered inadequate. Paired t-tests assessed seasons differences, and multivariable analysis determined predictors. The mean FAV intake was higher in post-harvest season (mean difference 174 g). Inadequate intake was 28.8%; 95%CI (24.6%, 33.3%) in post-harvest and 37.1%; 95%CI (32.5%, 41.8%) in pre-harvest. Higher odds of inadequate intake was found among adults with no formal schooling [AOR = 2.73; 95%CI: (1.64, 4.56)], those not cultivating FAV [AOR = 1.89; 95%CI: (1.10, 3.26)], and those with inadequate household dietary diversity [AOR = 3.06; 95%CI (1.81, 5.19)], while lower odds were observed when food decisions were made by someone else [AOR = 0.24; 95%CI: (0.08, 0.68)]. There is significant variation in FAV consumption among adult residents of AM-HDSS. Enhancing FAV availability may improve intake.