Proportion and Factors Associated with Inadequate Fruits and Vegetables Intake in Togo: Findings from the 2021 STEPS Survey

Mamy EKLOU^1, , Fifonsi Adjidossi GBEASOR-KOMLANVI^{2, 3}, Raouf Tonyi MENSAH⁴, Gérard KOGLO², Gloria AMEVOR², Cindy FAYEU², Didier Koumavi EKOUEVI^{2, 3} and Mouftao BELO⁵

¹Microbiology and Food Quality Control Laboratory - School of Biological and Food Technology, Université de Lomé, BP 1515 Lomé, Togo

²Centre Africain de Recherche en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo

³Centre de Formation et de Recherche en Santé Publique (CFRSP), Université de Lomé, Togo

⁴Togolese Institute of Agricultural Research (Lomé, Togo)

⁵Programme National de Lutte contre les Maladies Non Transmissibles, Lomé, Togo

Cite this paper:
Mamy EKLOU, Fifonsi Adjidossi GBEASOR-KOMLANVI, Raouf Tonyi MENSAH, Gérard KOGLO, Gloria AMEVOR, Cindy FAYEU, Didier Koumavi EKOUEVI and Mouftao BELO. Proportion and Factors Associated with Inadequate Fruits and Vegetables Intake in Togo: Findings from the 2021 STEPS Survey. Journal of Food Security. 2026; 14(1):1-7. doi: 10.12691/jfs-14-1-1

Abstract

Low fruits and vegetables (FV) consumption is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Few recent studies have explored this behavior in Togo. The aim of this study was to describe FV intake and associated factors in Togo in 2021-2022. A cross-sectional study was conducted using readily available data from STEPS survey. Variables related to lifestyle habits, socio-demographic characteristics, medical history related to NCD and physical measures were extracted for analyses. Binalry logistic regression analyses were conducted and the dependent variable was the consumption of at least 5FV. A total of 3,167 adults (58.9% female) with median age 38 years, IQR [28-50] were recruited. Among recruited participants, the proportion of diabetes and HBP was 7.7% and 35.8%, respectively. Two respondents in five (37.9%) reported having physical activity and 5.4% were using tobacco. Proportion of FV intake was 25.4%, 95%CI: [24.0-27.0]. Average household income > 52 500 FCFA and being physically active were factors that increased 5FV intake. Participants aged 60-69 years old and those avoiding eating meals prepared elsewhere than at home were less likely to consume 5FV daily. FV consumption remains low in Togo and is influenced by economic and sociodemographic determinants. Multisectoral interventions are needed to change fruit and vegetable consumption behaviors based on regional availability and varieties and to help reduce the risk of developing NCDs.

Keywords:
fruits and vegetables Intake Proportion associated factors STEPS survey Togo

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