Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

The consumption of a diet low in fruit and vegetables has been associated with the development of a number of non-communicable diseases. The issue of affordability and inequalities of access in other contexts raises similar questions in the very unequal South African context. Data from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey Men’s dataset was analysed using Stata IC version thirteen survey commands to take into account the multi-stage, clustered survey design. The dependent variable was no fruit or vegetables consumed in the day prior to the interview. The independent variables were demographic (race, age, type of area, province, marital status) and socioeconomic (education, occupation, household wealth). Overall, 34.1% (95% CI: 31.7 % - 36.6%) of the men reported consuming no fruit or vegetables in the day before the interview. Those who were White, had completed high school or tertiary education, were resident in the wealthier and wealthiest households, and employed in skilled occupations were significantly less likely to report no fruit or vegetable consumption. Those who were resident outside the Western Cape were significantly more likely to report no fruit or vegetable consumption. These findings suggest that the amount of fruit and vegetables consumed by men are likely to be completely inadequate, and that the poorest individuals are most at risk.