Abstract

Author(s): Azekour, Karima; Bidi, Amina; El Bouhali, Bachir

Introduction: Fruits and vegetable were globally promoted as healthy food. It was proved that high consumption of fruit and vegetable reduced the risk of noncommunicable diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. The purpose of this study was to describe fruit and vegetable intake and its relation with socioeconomic status in Moroccan school aged children.

Methods: Data were collected by a cross-sectional study of a sample of children from primary government schools in southeastern Morocco. A 24 hours dietary recall of the children’s food intake questionnaire was realized.

Results: Results showed a strong association between fruit and vegetable and tested variables. Higher fruit and vegetable intakes were associated with lower level of education of mothers. Concerning monthly family income category, no significant correlation was detected. Mean vegetables consumption were related significantly with Household location, Ethnicity and age groups (p=0.000, p=0.000 and p=0.001 respectively).

Conclusion: Socioeconomic inequalities influence fruit and vegetable intakes. Consequently, socioeconomic status must be considered in promoting health and improving diet.