Abstract

OKAGBARE, TE  and  NAIDOO, S. Parents' perception of their role in the prevention of inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables among adolescents in South Africa. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2020, vol.75, n.5, pp.235-240. ISSN 0375-1562.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2020/v75no5a1.

INTRODUCTION: South African adolescents consume relatively low fruit and vegetables in spite of the development of food-based dietary guidelines for South Africa. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:The aims and objectives of the present study were to investigate parents' perception of their role in the prevention of the health compromising behaviour of inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables among adolescents in South Africa. DESIGN: The study design was qualitative and exploratory and the research strategy used was inductive, deductive and abductive. METHODS: Using a guiding question schedule data were collected from Ave focus group interviews. A non-probability purposive theoretical sampling method was utilized and the sample size of 37 determined by theoretical saturation. Data analysis was performed using the grounded theory approach. RESULTS: The findings of the study suggest that children should be introduced to fruit and vegetables as early as possible. CONCLUSION: The study recommends that infants should be exposed to the taste of locally available fruit and vegetables followed by the gradual introduction of fruit and vegetables into their diet together with a variety of other nutrient-dense foods when solid foods are being introduced.

Keywords : Qualitative research; adolescents; taste buds; inadequate fruit and vegetables; interventions; oral health; South Africa.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )