Vegetable and Fruit Consumption among Chinese Adults and Associated Factors: A Nationally Representative Study of 170,847 Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study examined vegetable and fruit (VF) consumption rate and its associated factors among Chinese adults.

Methods: Nationally representative data from the 2013 China Chronic Disease Surveillance survey were used. Dietary intake data, including VF consumption during the last 12 months, were collected. All analyses were weighted to obtain nationally representative estimates. Associations between VF consumption and other factors (e.g., meal frequency and physical activity) were examined through logistic regression analysis.

Results: The average fruit consumption was 102.3 g/day (95% CI: 97.0-107.6) and the average vegetable consumption was 350.6 g/day (95% CI: 339.3-361.8). Over half (53.2%, 95% CI: 50.9-55.4) of Chinese adults met the VF consumption of 400 g/day recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Rural residents had a higher prevalence of low VF consumption rate than urban residents [49.20% (95% CI: 46.2%-52.2%) vs. 44.0% (95% CI: 41.7%-46.3%) P < 0.01]. Old age (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01), low educational level, low income, minority ethnicity (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.15-1.74), underweight (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03-1.33), single marital status (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08-1.33), low health literacy, irregular breakfast (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38) or lunch (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.26-1.99) habits, and no leisure-time physical activity were associated with low VF consumption.

Conclusion: Only half of Chinese adults met the VF consumption recommended by the WHO. Low socio-economic status, irregular diet, and poor health literacy were likely associated with low VF consumption. National efforts and programs are needed to promote VF consumption.

Keywords: China; China Noncommunicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance survey; Fruit; Vegetables.