2025 Volume 83 Issue 5 Pages 194-205
Objective: This study aimed to examine the dietary behavior and knowledge that influence longitudinal changes in vegetable intake among remote island residents using existing health and nutrition survey data.
Methods: Data from health and nutrition surveys conducted in Nishinoshima town, a remote island in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, during the formulation of a health promotion plan (2014) and mid-term evaluation (2021) were used. The analysis included 135 men and women in their 20s~70s who responded to both surveys. Paired statistical tests were used to compare the characteristics and vegetable intake of the participants at two time points. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the factors influencing the changes in vegetable intake between 2014 and 2021.
Results: Between 2014 and 2021, a significant reduction in vegetable intake was observed among men. Multiple regression analysis showed that change in "family composition (from living together to living alone)" was significantly associated with decreased vegetable intake, and increased "frequency of a well-balanced diet (combination of staple food, main, and side dishes)" was significantly associated with increased vegetable intake.
Conclusions: This study suggested that individual dietary behaviors and socioeconomic factors influenced changes in vegetable intake.
