Fruit and vegetable intake barriers and facilitators among adults from Brasilia, Brazil

AIMS: To evaluate characteristics of, barriers to and motivators for consumption of fruit and vegetables among adults in Brasília. METHODS: By means of a scripted interview the following data were collected: socio-demographic and anthropometric details, frequency and portion size of fruit and vegetable intake, and reasons for current consumption pattern. Individuals aged 20 years or more, from a pre-selected sample who participated in a survey on physical activity in adults, were selected. Frequency and proportions of responses and content analysis were used. RESULTS: Ninety-eight subjects were interviewed. Most individuals consumed fewer than 3 daily portions of fruit (68%) and vegetables (77%), while a large proportion of them presented intake on 5 or more days of the week (69.5% and 81.5%, respectively). The main reasons that motivated the interviewees to consume fruit and vegetables were: to be healthy, because of the pleasant taste, and because they help lose or maintain weight. Most cited barriers were unpleasant taste, lack of habit, eating little and thinking it is enough, limited time available and high perishability. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of subjects presented fruit and vegetable intake below the recommended level indicated by the Brazilian food guide, mainly due to the reduced number of consumed portions. Fruit and vegetable intake were motivated by health and taste. The unpleasant taste and lack of habit were cited as the main barriers for intake