Knowledge, Attitude And Consumption Pattern Of Fruit And Fruit Drink Among Adolescents (10-19 Years) In Private Secondary Schools In Umuahia North, Abia State, Nigeria:- Nweze, Ukamaka M

ABSTRACT x This study assessed knowledge, attitude and consumption pattern offruits and fruit drinks among adolescents aged 10-19 years in private secondary schools in Umuahia North, Abia State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected from 371 randomly selected respondents from 3 secondary schools in Umuahia North L.G.A using a structured questionnaire. A modified food frequency questionnaire was used to assess fruit and fruit drink consumption pattern, Knowledge was classified as good (>70%), moderate (50-70%) or poor (<50), while attitude was classified as positive (>70%) or negative (50-70%). Data was analysed using descriptive and Chi square was used to determine the association between variables. Findings showed that 65.2% and 18.1% had good knowledge of fruits and fruit drinks consumption, respectively, while 65.4% and 25% had good attitude to fruit and fruit drink consumption, respectively. Results further revealed that only 71.8% of respondents consumed fruits daily, while a lower proportion 61.0% consumed fruit drink daily. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between age and class with daily fruit consumption (p <0.05), while place of residence was significantly associated with fruit drink knowledge. Despite relatively positive attitudes, knowledge and consumption levels were suboptimal for both fruits and fruit drinks. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutrition education programs in schools and public health campaigns to improve adolescent dietary behaviors.