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Access to Information Technologies and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in South Africa: Evidence from Nationally Representative Data

Author

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  • Sikhulumile Sinyolo

    (Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Catherine Ndinda

    (Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

  • Conrad Murendo

    (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Box 776, Bulawayo 263, Zimbabwe
    Link Development Analytics, 70079 Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza 263, Zimbabwe)

  • Sithembile A. Sinyolo

    (Agriculture Sector Education and Training Authority, 529 Belvedere Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Mudzunga Neluheni

    (Human Sciences Research Council, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria 0001, South Africa)

Abstract

Extensive evidence indicates that fruit and vegetable (F+V) consumption leads to reduced chances of diet related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, the F+V consumption levels remain low. This paper investigates the extent to which access to information technologies improves F+V consumption in South Africa. A nationally representative sample of 20,908 households was analysed using the Poisson and logit regression models. The study results indicated that most households do not consume sufficient F+V per day. Only 26% of the household heads consumed F+V at least five times a day. Access to mobile phones, radio, television, and internet was associated with increasing frequency of F+V consumption, and higher chances that a household would consume the minimum recommended levels. The association between the communication technologies and F+V consumption varied. Television access had the highest association with both foods, while internet was only significantly associated with vegetable consumption. Several demographic and socio-economic factors played a key role in shaping F+V consumption patterns. The results show that there is scope to disseminate nutrition awareness and education programs, through mobile phones, internet, radio and television in South Africa. The interventions to promote F+V consumption should be tailored according to the different socio-economic profiles of the population.

Suggested Citation

  • Sikhulumile Sinyolo & Catherine Ndinda & Conrad Murendo & Sithembile A. Sinyolo & Mudzunga Neluheni, 2020. "Access to Information Technologies and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in South Africa: Evidence from Nationally Representative Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:13:p:4880-:d:381175
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    References listed on IDEAS

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