Trends and determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption in  Peru: A national survey analysis from 2016 to 2022

Víctor JUAN VERA-PONCE; Andrea P RAMIREZ-ORTEGA; Joan A LOAYZA-CASTRO; Gianella ZULEMA ZENAS-TRUJILLO; Luciana SOFIA GALVEZ-LUNA; Fiorella E ZUZUNAGA-MONTOYA; Luisa ERIKA MILAGROS VASQUEZ ROMERO; Rosa ANGELICA GARCIA LARA; Jenny RAQUEL TORRES-MALCA; Cori RAQUEL ITURREGUI PAUCAR; Mario J VALLADARES-
GARRIDO; Jhony A De La CRUZ-VARGAS

doi:10.12873/0211-6057.43.02.201

Author(s): Víctor JUAN VERA-PONCE*, Andrea P RAMIREZ-ORTEGA, Joan A LOAYZA-CASTRO, Gianella ZULEMA ZENAS-TRUJILLO, Luciana SOFIA GALVEZ-LUNA, Fiorella E ZUZUNAGA-MONTOYA, Luisa ERIKA MILAGROS VASQUEZ ROMERO, Rosa ANGELICA GARCIA LARA, Jenny RAQUEL TORRES-MALCA, Cori RAQUEL ITURREGUI PAUCAR, Mario J VALLADARES- GARRIDO and Jhony A De La CRUZ-VARGAS

Introduction: The intake of five or more servings of fruits and/or vegetables is recommended for the prevention of various diseases. However, the level of consumption has varied over time.

Objective: This study analyzed the trend in fruit and vegetable consumption in Peru from 2016 to 2022 and explored associated factors.

Materials and Methods: A secondary data analysis of the Peru Demographic and Health Survey (ENDES) was conducted, calculating adjusted Prevalence Ratios (aPR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI95%).

Results: The trend in consumption saw a significant decrease in 2020. In the regression analysis, associations were found with being male (aPR=1.23; CI95% 1.18-1.27); being between 26 to 59 years old (aPR=0.80; CI95% 0.77-0.83), between 60 to 69 years old (aPR=0.78; CI95% 0.72-0.85) and 70 years or older (aPR=0.75; CI95% 0.67-0.83); the year 2020 (aPR=0.58; CI95% 0.54-0.63) and 2021 (aPR=0.88; CI95% 0.83-0.94); having a partner (aPR=0.58; CI95% 0.54-0.63); living on the coast (aPR=0.87; CI95% 0.83-0.91), in the highlands (aPR=0.74; CI95% 0.70-0.78) and in the jungle (aPR: 0.93; CI95% 0.88-0.98); being poor (aPR=1.13; CI95% 1.06 -1.21) and of middle status (aPR=1.10; CI95% 1.02-1.18); smoking daily (aPR=0.78; CI95% 0.67-0.89); drinking alcohol (aPR=1.12; CI95% 1.07-1.17) and having T2DM (aPR=1.26; CI95% 1.15-1.38).

Conclusion: Consumption has varied over the years, with a decrease in 2020. Associated factors include being male, having T2DM, and drinking alcohol. Additionally, having a partner, living on the coast, in the highlands or in the jungle, being poor or of middle status, and smoking daily were associated with lower consumption.