International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-780212201010312222ENPharmD, D. Phil, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Isfahan.MD, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, IUMS, Isfahan.PharmD candidate, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science, IUMS, Isfahan.20101031Objectives: Fruits and vegetables are important components of a<br />healthy diet, and their consumption could help prevent a wide<br />range of diseases. In this study, fruit and vegetable consumption in<br />elderly people were assessed.<br />Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly<br />(&ge;65 year-old) people who came to pharmacies affiliated with<br />Isfahan University of Medical Science. Face-to-face interview using<br />a questionnaire including food frequency questionnaire and demographic<br />and socioeconomic variables was administered.<br />Results: Of the total 504 participants, 56.3% were male and 43.7%<br />were female. The mean daily serving of fruit and vegetable (combined)<br />consumption in men and women were 4.58&plusmn;1.31 and<br />4.65&plusmn;1.28, respectively. The prevalence of daily fruit and vegetable<br />intake of 5 or more servings was 37.9%. Low educational and<br />low income participants ate lower fruits and vegetables (combined).<br />Age, gender, smoking, and chronic disease had no significant<br />influence on their consumption. Educational level was the<br />only independent predictor of fruit and vegetable consumption<br />(OR: 3.81, CI: 1.64-8.84).<br />Conclusions: Most elderly people consumed less than the recommended<br />levels of fruits and vegetables. From the point of view of<br />prevention of chronic disease, health education programs which<br />targeted elderly people particularly for those at the risk of low<br />consumption are needed and recommended.<br />Keywords: Fruit consumption; Vegetable; Elderly.http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/22http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/22/281