Fruit and vegetable consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown in Sri Lanka: an online survey

Nutrire

Research

Tormalli V. Francis¹  Ranil Jayawardena²  Piumika Sooriyaarachchi³ 

[1]Health and Wellness Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

[2]School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

[3]Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

[4]School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

[5]Health and Wellness Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

关键词: Fruits and vegetables;    Intake;    Home-grown;    COVID-19;    South East Asia;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s41110-022-00161-z

 received in 2022-02-07, accepted in 2022-05-18,  发布年份 2022

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the dietary patterns of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the purchase and consumption of fruit and vegetables in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey assessed the self-reported changes in fruit and vegetable consumption and purchase using Google forms. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between decreased consumption of imported fruits and increased home-grown food intake with socio-demographic variables.ResultsAmong the 3621 survey respondents, 63.0% and 43.3% reported a decreased intake of imported and local fruits purchased from the market, respectively. Although the overall vegetable consumption has declined, the leafy vegetable consumption has increased by 40.7%. Imported fruit intake has significantly reduced among youngsters, males, respondents living in municipal areas, employed, and those with lower monthly incomes. Among the respondent, 48.9% declared an increased consumption of home-grown fruits or vegetables. Responders living away from Colombo and rural areas were more likely to report a higher intake of home-grown fruits and vegetables (OR 2.021; 95% CI, 1.762–2.318, P < 0.001). Employed males residing in municipal areas were less likely to report an increased intake (OR 0.689; 95% CI, 0.574–0.827, P < 0.001).ConclusionPurchase of imported and local fruits from the market has reduced. Although the overall vegetable consumption was decreased, there has been an increase in the consumption of leafy vegetables. Furthermore, consumption of home-grown fruits and vegetables has increased considerably. Well-established food distribution programs are essential in future pandemics to promote healthy eating.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2022