College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji Islands.
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Asia Pac J Public Health. 2021 Sep;33(6-7):747-752. doi: 10.1177/10105395211038458. Epub 2021 Aug 13.
The consumption of fruits and vegetables (F&V) has many health benefits, yet the majority of the world's population, including young children, consume less than recommended. This article provides caregivers' perspectives on cultural determinants of F&V consumption in children in Fiji. A qualitative study design using focus group discussions with caregivers of children aged 6 months to 5 years old in Suva was used. Thematic content analysis was undertaken to identify common issues using four main themes. Subthemes were further analyzed from the broad themes to understand caregiver's perceptions. Caregivers perceived that meal components lacked F&V and food preparation and cooking methods of F&V did not stimulate children's appetite. Non-vegetable products such as meat and fish were perceived as more valued and privileged for those consuming them. Understanding cultural determinants as perceived by caregivers is important to inform strategies to increase F&V consumption in children.
食用水果和蔬菜（F&V）有许多健康益处，但包括儿童在内的世界上大多数人摄入的量都低于建议量。本文提供了斐济照顾者对儿童 F&V 消费的文化决定因素的看法。在苏瓦，使用了一种定性研究设计，即对 6 个月至 5 岁儿童的照顾者进行焦点小组讨论。采用主题内容分析方法，使用四个主要主题确定常见问题。从广义主题进一步分析子主题，以了解照顾者的看法。照顾者认为，膳食成分缺乏 F&V，而且 F&V 的准备和烹饪方法不能刺激儿童的食欲。非蔬菜产品，如肉和鱼，被认为是更有价值和特权的食物。了解照顾者所认为的文化决定因素对于制定增加儿童 F&V 消费的策略很重要。
