Abstract
China has undergone rapid social transitions within the last few decades. However, mental health issues, challenges to psychological well-being, and poor dietary choices have gradually surfaced. These health concerns are related to the rapid growth of the aging population and of the fast-paced industrialized society. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge about food preferences and psychological well-being measurements in contemporary China. Applying the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) with a cross-sectional study design (n = 7970), we conducted multinomial logistic regression models to investigate the associations of food preferences, including fast food, salty snacks, fruits, vegetables, and sweetened beverages, with psychological well-being among Chinese middle-aged and older adults (age ≥ 45). Food preferences are mostly associated with psychological well-being (p < 0.05). However, respondents’ preferences regarding fast food, salty snacks, and sweetened beverages are associated not only with poorer psychological health status, but also with positive psychological well-being. We speculate that Chinese older adults may consume Westernized fast food and salty snacks as pleasure to the palate due to the recent Westernization in modern China. We also provide practical implications of results from this preliminary study.
Highlights
IntroductionChina has experienced dramatic Westernization and industrialization since the early 21st century
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has become the leading cause of death in China and most NCDs are associated with Western lifestyle and dietary patterns [2]
For this research we focused on the associations between food preferences and psychological well-being among middle-aged and older adults who were at least 45 years old
Summary
China has experienced dramatic Westernization and industrialization since the early 21st century. These rapid social reforms have increased China’s role globally, including its diplomatic presence, global governance, economy, and cultural presence [1]. The contemporary pattern of Westernization comes with challenges, such as public health. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has become the leading cause of death in China and most NCDs are associated with Western lifestyle and dietary patterns [2]. Among 10 million deaths caused by different diseases each year, NCDs account for more than 80% [2,3].
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