Assessment of the consumption pattern and health benefits of fruits among retirees from tertiary institutions in Delta state, Nigeria

This study assessed the consumption patterns and health benefits awareness of fruits among retirees in Delta State. Three research questions and three corresponding null hypotheses guided the study. The study employed an ex-post facto research design, using the survey method. The population consisted of one thousand, one hundred and sixteen (1,116) retirees (from 2019–2024), and the sample size was 446 retirees was selected using multi-stage sampling of stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The instrument used was questionnaire validated by three (3) experts, and the reliability was established using a Cronbach alpha method of establishing reliability which yielded a coefficient index of 0.78 for Types of Fruits; 0.71 for Consumption Pattern of Fruits and 0.70 for Health Benefits of Consuming Fruits. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 29). The research questions were answered using Frequency Count, Percentage, Mean and Standard Deviation (SD) while the null hypotheses were tested using independent t-test statistical tools at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that there is no significant difference between male and female retirees on the types of fruits consumed, there is a significant difference between urban and rural retirees on the consumption pattern of fruits and there is a significant difference between junior and senior retirees on the perceived health benefits of fruits. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that awareness campaign should be carried out on consumption patterns of fruits in the rural areas to enhance better consumption pattern.