IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INTAKE OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN NIŠ, SERBIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46793/PP250224013NKeywords:
fruits, vegetable, nutrition, studentsAbstract
Introduction: Proper nutrition has a great impact on the health of each individual, and especially on the student population, which is exposed to constant psychophysical efforts, growth and development. Fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals, vitamins and dietary fiber, and the their appropriate intake improves health and prevents non-communicable diseases. The pandemic caused by the corona virus (COVID-19) has drastically changed food shopping behavior, and the intake of some food groups has been disrupted.
Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the potential changes in fruit and vegetable intake among young people caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: The transversal epidemiological study was conducted during December 2022 at in Niš. The diet assessment was conducted using an anonymous 24-hour recall questionnaire. The survey included 64 students (42 female and 22 male). The obtained results were compared with the results of similar research conducted in 2002 and 2011, with a similar population. Statistical processing was performed using the MS Excel program.
Results: The study confirmed a negative trend in fruit and vegetable intake among young people in Nis in the last two decades. Potatoes, fruit and root vegetables are the most common in their diet, while green leafy vegetables and green beans are eaten less frequently. When it comes to fruit, the most consumed are apples, followed by citrus fruits.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse effect on the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables among young people in Niš. It is necessary to strengthen the awareness of the importance of fruits and vegetables among young population, both in terms of quantity and variety, as well as the combination of foods.
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