DOI: 10.21276/sasjm.2017.3.11.3

Pages: 299-306

Research and publications worldwide is in support of increasing scientific evidence that adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables decreases the risk of major chronic diseases. Worldwide nations have diverse availability, accessibility, preferences and cultural considerations for FV consumption. Knowledge of actual consumption of fruits and vegetables among young populations assists in framing intervention to achieve potential health benefits for their future life. This study aimed at assessing fruits and vegetables consumption patterns in a sample of students from the University of Benghazi. A cross sectional study was planned to evaluate fruits and vegetables consumption and attitudes patterns among medical university students through a previously standardized self-administered questionnaire for questions related to their preferences, knowledge of health benefits and frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables along with height and weight measurements. A total of 410 students (117males, 293 females), with age ranges from (18-26 years). Mean ± standard deviation (SD): 22.69 ± 1.53 years; height: 163.93 ± 5.36 cm; weight: 62.86 ± 10.59 kg; and BMI: 23.93 ± 6.51 kg/m2). The percentage of subjects who consume 3 serving of fruits daily is (2.2 %); while the subjects who consumed four servings of daily vegetables is (2 %). Results from this research highlight the importance of early identification of the health behaviour in young population and the requirements to improve healthy dietary interventions and lifestyle.