Determinants of Fruit and Vegetables Intake among Secondary School Pupils in the City of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso): A Cross-Sectional Study

According to WHO, eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day at an early age is protective against cancers, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine among secondary school pupils in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso, the level of observation of this recommendation and the associated factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from March to April 2016, among secondary school pupils in 1st Form, 4th Form and 7th Form of public and private secondary schools. The diet survey methods were the recalling of the last 24 hours associated with intake frequency questionnaire. An intake of less than one fruit (or a slice of a big fruit) per day and for vegetables, less than one portion of raw or cooked vegetables per day was considered insufficient. Results: A total of 1993 pupils were surveyed. The mean age was 17.5 ± 3.6 years and the sex ratio 0.7; 75.4% and 90.0% of pupils had insufficient daily intake of fruit and vegetables respectively. The determinants of this consumption deficiency were: Sex (male, OR = 1.7 (1.3 - 2.2)), secondary school (public, OR = 1.6 (1.3 - 2.0)), class (4th Form, OR = 2.5 (1.5 - 4.2)/7th Form, OR = 3.7 (2.7 - 5.1)), the mother (thin build, OR = 3.2 (2.0 - 5.3)/overweight/obesity, OR = 2.8 (1.6 - 4.7)) and physical inactivity (OR = 1.5 (1.2 - 2.0)). Conclusion: The promotion of a healthy diet among secondary school pupils should take into account the type of school, sex, educational level, physical activity and mothers’ influence.