Vegetable consumption among schoolchildren in Ireland. HBSC Ireland Research Factsheet No. 19

Abstract

HBSC Ireland 2010 has found that 20.0% of schoolchildren in Ireland report eating vegetables everyday, more than once (18.7% of boys and 21.5% of girls). This figure represents a slight increase since 2006 (17.9%). There has been a slight increase in the number of children who report consuming vegetables in the younger age groups since 2006; from 18.9% to 20.9% among 10-11 year olds and from 17.7 % to 20.7% among 12-14 year olds. Children who consume vegetables everyday, more than once are more likely to live with both parents, find it easy to talk to their parents or best friend and are more likely to like school compared to children who consume vegetables less frequently. They are also less likely to spend four or more evenings with friends. Vegetable consumption in this factsheet refers to children who report consuming vegetables everyday, more than once.