Abstract

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are essential components of the human diet because of their nutritional and health benefits. They are rich in micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), dietary fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants. This study assessed the determinants of F&V consumption among civil servants in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 196 civil servants with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire through a multistage sampling procedure. These data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model. The gender distribution of the sampled civil servant was slightly balanced (51% male and 49% female) with an average age of 43 years. The average monthly income was ₦110,844.00, and the average monthly expenditure on fruit and vegetable was ₦5,387.91. The civil servants primarily consumed F&V because of its availability. The OLS regression analysis indicated that age, household size, monthly income, health benefit, availability and quick natural snack were the variables that significantly influenced F&V consumption among the civil servants. There should be more public advocacy about the health benefits of F&V consumption as well as improvement in monthly income of civil servants to enhance consumption of this group of food.