Usefulness of a Brief Fruit and Vegetable FFQ in a College Population

Objective: To determine the validity of an existing National Cancer Institute 7-item fruit and vegetable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with college students and to assess fruit and vegetable consumption, knowledge, and attitudes in this population. Methods: A survey was completed by 109 students. In addition to the FFQ, the survey contained questions determining awareness of the 5 a Day program, knowledge of recommended fruit and vegetable intake, and barriers to consumption of fruits and vegetables. Diet records were also collected and compared to the FFQ. Results: The FFQ was not shown to be valid; only 20% of students were aware of recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake; and taste, cost, and accessibility were identified as barriers to consumption of fruits and vegetables. Mean daily intake of fruits and vegetables based on FFQ was 4.2 servings. Conclusion: A better tool may be needed to quickly assess fruit and vegetable consumption by college students, and more nutrition education on this topic is recommended.