NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE ON FRUIT AND VEGETABLE AMONG LATE ADOLESCENTS IN LAUTECH, OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the nutritional knowledge on fruit and vegetable consumption among late adolescents in LAUTECH Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The consumption of a diverse diet including a variety of fruits and vegetable promotes better health, growth, and intellectual development throughout a person’s lifetime and reduces the risks and incidence of ill health and death from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Four hundred and twenty-two(422)students were selected using random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the selected students. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as the chi-square test was used for data analysis. The study reviewed that the mean age of the students was 17.61+1.233 years. One quarter 24.3% (100) of the respondents have poor knowledge on fruits and vegetables consumption while 75.7% (311) have good knowledge on fruits and vegetables consumption. There was strong correlation between parental education and nutritional knowledge. The predominance of Yoruba respondents and their cultural context further emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches in promoting healthy eating habits. In conclusion, this study revealed that there was good nutritional knowledge on fruit and vegetables consumption among late adolescents in the study location. This study also calls for continued efforts in nutritional education and support mechanisms to enhance fruit and vegetable intake among late adolescents, fostering healthier dietary patterns in this critical developmental stage.