The Prevalence and Social Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Its Associations With Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factors Among Adults in Laos

The study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of fruit and vegetable (FAV) consumption and its associations with noncommunicable diseases risk factors among adults in Laos. In a national cross-sectional survey in 2013, 2527 individuals (18-64 years old) responded to a questionnaire, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and biochemistry tests were conducted. On average, participants had 0.99 servings of fruits a day and 1.33 servings of vegetables a day, a combined total of 2.32 servings of FAVs per day. Almost 1 in 5 respondents (18.9%) had 2 or more servings of fruit a day, 8.7% had 3 or more servings of vegetables a day, and 94.7% had less than 5 servings of FAV a day. In adjusted logistic analysis, being a Lao-Tai increased the odds of consuming 2 or more servings of fruits daily. Past month binge drinking decreased the odds of having 3 or more servings of vegetables daily. Higher education and urban residence decreased the odds of inadequate (<5 servings) FAV consumption. In adjusted linear regression analysis, increased FAV consumption was associated with higher body mass index scores. A high prevalence of inadequate FAV consumption was found. Interventions targeting identified modifiable risk factors, including lower education, general obesity, and binge drinking, may potentially increase FAV consumption in Laos