Food Consumption, Perception Of School Fool5 Environment And Self-Efficacy To Consume Fruits Among Adolescents (11-19 Years) In Umuahia North Local Government Area Of Abia State.:-Obioma, Adaobi E

ABSTRACT This research work assessed food consumption, perception ofschool environment and selfefficacy to consume fruits among adolescents was carried out in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, data were collected with questionnaire distributed among selected adolescents. A sample size of, tyvo hundred and fifty-one (251) adolescents were used. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Analysis ofthe result indicated that; majority 57.8% ofthe respondents were female, 53.8% were between 14 to 16 years old, little above half 53.0% ofthe respondents were in SSS1, 35.1% oftheir mothers are business women. Food consumption pattern of the adolescents revealed that; 60.2% of the respondents parents make food for them, 60.2% choice offood was made by their parents, 73.7% ate 3 times a day, 62.5% of their mother prepares the food at home, 57.8% skipped meals and 54.2% skipped lunch. Few 27.1% ofthe respondents strongly agreed that a large selection offruits is available in the school environment, 17.5% agreed that the fresh fruits in their school environment are of high quality, 38.2% ate fruits once a week and majority 82.1% had eaten fruit in the past weeks. Most 68.5% of the respondents had some fruit after a long day and when they are feeling tired, 84.5% ate other fruits when their favourite ones are not available and 57.4% ate fruit as a part oftheir lunch most days in school. 27.1% ofthe respondents strongly agreed that a large selection of fruits was available in the school environment, 17.5% ofthe respondents agreed that fresh fruits in the school environment are of high quality, 47.8% of the respondents strongly agreed that the prices of fruits in the school'environment affects the choices offruit intakes. 88.4% ofthe respondents had a low self efficacy score which revealed that they appreciated and acknowledged the benefits offruit eating habits but had limited confidence and efficacy to take actions and 11.4% had a high self efficacy score.In conclusion, behavioral interventions should also address factors in the child’s environment that may interfere with preference change and fruit consumption including developed preferences for highly marketed and palatable foods.