Vegetable Intake, Home gardening practices and Socio-Demographic Determinants among Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) in Urban area, Abuja, Nigeria

Inadequate vegetable intake was enlisted as one of the top risk factors of global mortality. Adequate vegetable intake is essential for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases among women of reproductive age. However, consumption remains suboptimal in Nigeria. The potentials of home gardening to improve vegetable intake is well known, however, the socio-demographic determinants of Vegetable Consumption among Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) in Urban Area of Abuja, Nigeria remains unclear. This study was designed to assess the home gardening practices, sociodemographic determinants and its association with vegetable intake among women of reproductive age in Abuja Municipal Area Council, F.C.T., Nigeria. 
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 women selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire covering socio demographic characteristics, home gardening practices, vegetable intake and vegetable consumption pattern and dietary intake. Adequacy of vegetable intake was determined using recommended daily vegetable consumption guidelines. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square tests at p < 0.05.
The mean age of home gardeners (HGs) and Non-Home gardeners (NHGs) respondents were (34.85± 8.83; 35.33±9.36) respectively. 33.8% of the respondents practised home gardening yet while 66.2% did not practise home gardening. Average vegetable intake were higher among HGs (180.09g±114.55g) than NHG (174.26g±105.65g). Only 11.8% attested that they consumed vegetables daily with a higher percentage of daily intake reported by HGs. 
The study concludes that some sociodemographic factors and the intake of some vegetables were significantly associated with gardening practices among respondents. However, improved household level food production, nutrition education regarding diet quality will contribute to vegetable intake.