Fruit and vegetable intake and its correlates among high-school students in Iran : a cross-sectional study

Background Two important components of a healthy diet are fruits and vegetables (F&V), which are essential for maintaining physical health. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of F&V intake among high school adolescents in the city of Tabriz. Methods The Global School-based Student Health Survey self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection among 1517 adolescents. Results The prevalence of fruit intake was 76.1% (≥ 2 times/day) and vegetable intake 23% (≥ 3 times/day). Being at the third level of high school and having sedentary behavior, low intake of vegetables, low or lack of parental support, lack of peer support and lack of enough food at home were significantly associated with low consumption of fruit among students. Also, being overweight or obese and having low intake of fruit, low or lack of peer support, and being physically inactive were significantly associated with low intake of vegetables. Conclusion Results suggest that interventions targeting personal, interpersonal and environmental factors for increased F&V consumption should be given more priority by the public health authorities.