PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES INTAKE AMONG MALAYSIAN ADULTS: FINDINGS FROM MALAYSIAN ADULTS NUTRITION SURVEY 2014

Based on Malaysian Dietary Guidelines, five servings of fruits and vegetables should be taken every day to meet nutrient requirement. This study aim to determine the prevalence of fruits and vegetables intake and its predictive socio-demography factors among adults aged 18 years and above in Malaysia based on the findings from the Malaysian Adults Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2014. This study was a cross-sectional population-based household survey using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling. A total of 2,820 respondents comprising of 1,302 males and 1,518 females were interviewed to obtain socio-demographic information and data on food intake. Overall prevalence of fruits and vegetables intake that met food pyramid recommendation was 22.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 20.6-25.3%]. Prevalence of those not meeting the required fruits and vegetables intake was higher [77.6% (95% CI: 74.2-80.7%)] among males compared to females. Adults of 40-49 years of age, those with a tertiary educational level and a household income level of more than RM 3,500 (USD862.06) have a higher prevalence [24.7% (95% CI: 20.9-28.9%)], 25.8% (95% CI: 21.8-30.4%) and 27.6% (95% CI, 23.2-32.5), respectively] of meeting the recommended daily fruits and vegetables intake. Knowledge on the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables is an important factor to encourage Malaysian to meet this daily food requirement. Thus, promotion and education on eating fruits and vegetables should be given to Malaysians of all ages.