Change and predictors of change in fruit and vegetable consumption among Norwegian women: 1996-2005. The NOWAC study

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown the health benefits of adequate fruit and vegetable consumption with regards to prevention of chronic diseases. Results from the national dietary surveys in Norway show that consumption of fruits and vegetables have been on the increase but the proportion that meets the recommended daily intake is low. The aim of this study was to examine the change and the predictors of the change in fruit and vegetable intake among participants in the Norwegian Women and Cancer study (NOWAC). Methods: A prospective study was performed in the NOWAC cohort. Data on dietary, lifestyle, socioeconomic and health-related factors were collected by mailed questionnaires. The change in fruit and vegetable consumption among 49,888 women aged 40 – 70 years was investigated using two measurements taken at intervals of 4–6 years. We used linear regression analyses to describe the change in fruit and vegetable consumption. Results: Predictors of increase in fruit intake include more years of education, higher physical activity, dieting, and living with children. These factors, with the exception of dieting, were also associated with an increase in vegetable intake, in addition to high income, high BMI, alcohol consumption and being a former smoker. Older age, alcohol consumption, high income and smoking were associated with a decrease in fruit intake, whereas older age was associated with a decrease in vegetable intake. Conclusions: Fruit and vegetable consumption as well as the proportion of women who met the recommended daily intake among women in the NOWAC study showed an increase over the period studied. The intake of fruit and vegetables was influenced by lifestyle, socioeconomic and health related factors. Key words: Fruit and vegetable consumption, socioeconomic determinants, lifestyle factors, repeated measurements, Norway, women