Factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables by preschoolers of low socio-economic level

Objective: To evaluate factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables among preschoolers from families treated at basic health centers in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Methods: This was a cohort study nested in a randomized field trial. Data collection was performed through structured questionnaires to obtain demographic and dietary data, combined with two 24-hour recalls in the age groups 12-16 months and again at 2-3 years of age. Data on the consumption of one daily serving of fruits (80 g) and vegetables (60 g) were evaluated, as well as consumption of non-recommended foods such as candy, chocolate, and soft drinks. Statistical analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust estimation. Results: A total of 388 children aged 2-3 years were evaluated; of these, 58% and 87.4% did not consume one daily serving of fruits and vegetables, respectively. The following factors were negatively associated with fruit consumption: family income higher than four minimum wages, (p = 0.024), lower paternal educational level (p = 0.03), and lower fruit consumption at 12-16 months (p = 0.002). Factors negatively associated with the consumption of vegetables were low paternal educational level (p = 0.033) and consumption of high-sugar content beverages at 12-16 months (p = 0.014). Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of children who consumed less than one daily serving of fruit and vegetables; early feeding practices, parental education, and family income were associated with this process. (C) 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.