URBAN-RURAL DIFFERENCES IN DEMAND FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN BANGLADESH: THE DEMOGRAPHIC AND HEALTH FACTORS

Abstract

Insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) is responsible for various chronic diseases. In today’s rapidly urbanising society, many Bangladeshi adults in both urban and rural areas do not consume enough servings of FV. The present study attempts to examine demographic and health factors associated with consumption of FV among urban and rural dwellers in Bangladesh. Data derived from the National STEPS Survey for Non-communicable Diseases Risk Factors (n = 8,164) were used for in-depth analyses. The relationships between consumption of FV and demographic, and health factors were examined using linear regression. Many urban and rural dwellers did not consume adequate FV. Men consumed less FV compared to women. Education levels were positively associated with FV consumption. Being diagnosed with hypertension was correlated with reduced consumption of FV, whereas there was a positive relationship between having diabetes and FV intake. However, age, marital status and employment status were not significantly associated with consumption of FV. In conclusion, various demographic and health factors play an important role in determining FV consumption among Bangladeshi adults across urban and rural areas. These findings identified the groups that called for attention of the policymakers in formulating efficient measures to improving FV consumption.