Assocations between fruit intake frequency, sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and dietary habits in Korean adolescents: Based on the 17th(2021) Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Objectives This study aimed to determine the influencing factors of fruit intake frequency in Korean adolescents in association with sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and dietary habits. Methods The data of 54,848 adolescents who participated in the 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed. The factors associated with fruit intake frequency in adolescents were examined using logistic regression analysis, while age, sex, parents’ educational level, household income, residential area, and weight were adjusted. Results Fruit intake frequency was lower in men than in women and high school students than in middle school students. With increased mother’s educational level, household income, and subjective academic achievement, fruit intake frequency increased, while the frequency was low in students living in cities than those in provinces. With increased subjective health status, fruit intake frequency increased. With smoking and alcohol drinking, fruit intake frequency was low. Fruit intake frequency was low in obese or overweight students compared to low-weight students, whereas the frequency was high in students performing mid- and high-intensity physical activities. Fruit intake frequency was low in students skipping breakfast ≥ 5 times weekly, whereas it was high in students drinking sweetened drinks ≥ 3 times weekly. Daily water intake ≥800 mL or the experience of school nutrition education led to higher probability of fruit intake. Conclusions Based on the study findings, various programs and efficient policies should be developed to promote the fruit intake in adolescents.