DETERMINANTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES CONSUMPTION AMONG STUDENTS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE ABEOKUTA AND FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Abstract
This study investigated the determinants of fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption among students at the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, Nigeria. The study was guided by four objectives. Using a cross-sectional descriptive design, data for the study was collected from 150 undergraduate students using structured questionnaires administered via the Kobo Toolbox app. A multi-stage sampling method was used to ensure a representative sample data collected was analyzed using frequency count, percentage and mean to describe the demographic data and multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that economic factors, particularly the high cost of F&V, were the most significant barrier to consumption, reported by 75.33% of respondents. Limited availability (48.67%) and lack of time for preparation (38%) were also key challenges. Despite these barriers, students demonstrated a strong awareness of the health benefits of F&V, with prevention of chronic diseases (64.67%) and weight management (56%) being the most recognized benefits. Regression analysis indicated that the price of F&V and lower prices significantly impacted consumption (p
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