Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Barriers to Their Consumption among University Students in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Summary

This cross-sectional survey of Kuwait University students found a median fruit and vegetable intake of 2.06 servings per day, well below recommended levels, with notable gender disparities—males consumed more fruit juice servings whilst females consumed more vegetables excluding fried potato products. The study identified taste, inconvenience, and insufficient knowledge of recommendations and preparation methods as principal barriers to consumption, suggesting that targeted health promotion campaigns addressing awareness and practical dietary integration are needed in this population.

Regional applicability

Whilst conducted in Kuwait, the findings regarding low fruit and vegetable intake and identified barriers (convenience, taste, knowledge gaps) are likely transferable to United Kingdom university populations, though absolute intake levels and demographic patterns may differ. UK policy makers and university health promotion teams could adapt the identified barrier-reduction strategies, though local formative research would be warranted to contextualise recommendations.

Key measures

Median daily fruit and vegetable intake (servings); intake of fruit juice; percentage of juice from total fruit intake; intake of fried potatoes; demographic associations (gender, body weight, college affiliation, family monthly income); perceived barriers to consumption

Outcomes reported

The study assessed median fruit and vegetable intake among Kuwait University students and its relationship with demographic factors (gender, body weight, college affiliation, family income). It identified perceived barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption including taste, inconvenience, and lack of knowledge about intake recommendations and preparation methods.

Topic tags