Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Adults in Surulere, Lagos State.

Abstract:

Background: Adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables is essential for the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs); however, intake remains suboptimal in many urban settings in Nigeria. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and consumption practices is critical for designing effective nutrition interventions. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 18 years and above in Surulere, Lagos State, using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess socio-demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and fruit and vegetable intake. Knowledge and attitudes were scored, and data were analyzed with EPI INFO version 7 using chi-square tests at p<0.05. Results: A total of 284 respondents participated, with a mean age of 34.79 ± 12.71 years. Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of the health benefits of fruits and vegetables (81%) and had positive attitudes towards their consumption (96.5%). Awareness of specific benefits, such as prevention of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers, was high. However, only 7.5% correctly identified the World Health Organization recommendation of consuming at least five servings daily, indicating a significant knowledge–practice gap. Knowledge was significantly associated with ethnicity, religion, and educational level, with higher knowledge observed among respondents with a tertiary education. Conclusion: Although knowledge and attitudes toward fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in Surulere are generally high, actual understanding of recommended intake levels and consumption practices remains inadequate. Targeted nutrition education and policy interventions addressing practical barriers to intake are needed to bridge the gap between awareness and practice and to support NCD prevention in urban Nigerian communities.