title: Factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables by preschoolers of low socio-economic level.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate factors associated with low consumption of fruits and vegetables among preschoolers from families treated at basic health centers in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cohort study nested in a randomized field trial. Data collection was performed through structured questionnaires to obtain demographic and dietary data, combined with two 24-hour recalls in the age groups 12-16 months and again at 2-3 years of age. Data on the consumption of one daily serving of fruits (80 g) and vegetables (60 g) were evaluated, as well as consumption of non-recommended foods such as candy, chocolate, and soft drinks. Statistical analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust estimation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 388 children aged 2-3 years were evaluated; of these, 58% and 87.4% did not consume one daily serving of fruits and vegetables, respectively. The following factors were negatively associated with fruit consumption: family income higher than four minimum wages, (p=0.024), lower paternal educational level (p=0.03), and lower fruit consumption at 12-16 months (p=0.002). Factors negatively associated with the consumption of vegetables were low paternal educational level (p=0.033) and consumption of high-sugar content beverages at 12-16 months (p=0.014).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated a high prevalence of children who consumed less than one daily serving of fruit and vegetables; early feeding practices, parental education, and family income were associated with this process.
authors.affiliation: Center for Research in Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Electronic address: juliavalmorbida@yahoo.com.br.
authors.forename: Julia L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Valmórbida
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Márcia R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Vitolo
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D002182:Candy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005220:Fathers / Q000193:education; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D059012:Lost to Follow-Up; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014675:Vegetables
keywords: Consumo de alimentos; Food consumption; Fruits; Frutas; Preschooler; Pré-escolar; Vegetables; Verduras