The study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of fruit and vegetable (FAV) consumption and its associations with noncommunicable diseases risk factors among adults in Laos. In a national cross-sectional survey in 2013, 2527 individuals (18-64 years old) responded to a questionnaire, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and biochemistry tests were conducted. On average, participants had 0.99 servings of fruits a day and 1.33 servings of vegetables a day, a combined total of 2.32 servings of FAVs per day. Almost 1 in 5 respondents (18.9%) had 2 or more servings of fruit a day, 8.7% had 3 or more servings of vegetables a day, and 94.7% had less than 5 servings of FAV a day. In adjusted logistic analysis, being a Lao-Tai increased the odds of consuming 2 or more servings of fruits daily. Past month binge drinking decreased the odds of having 3 or more servings of vegetables daily. Higher education and urban residence decreased the odds of inadequate (<5 servings) FAV consumption. In adjusted linear regression analysis, increased FAV consumption was associated with higher body mass index scores. A high prevalence of inadequate FAV consumption was found. Interventions targeting identified modifiable risk factors, including lower education, general obesity, and binge drinking, may potentially increase FAV consumption in Laos.
Keywords: Laos; determinants; fruit intake; noncommunicable diseases; population survey; vegetable intake.