Comparative analysis of diets in Sioux Falls: Influence of sociodemographic characteristics, alignment to US national diet and healthy diet

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Continuous examination of diets and factors that influence dietary patterns is vital to improve diet quality. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the average diet of adults in the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area (SFMSA), USA, examining sociodemographic differences in dietary intake and compare the average diet in the SFMSA (SF Diet) to the U.S. national average and USDA healthy dietary guidelines. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted and 127 individuals were surveyed from August 2020 to August 2021. Dietary intake was assessed using the self-reported single 24-h dietary recall method and sociodemographic questions. Main effects and first order interactions of participant sociodemographic characteristics were considered. Main findings show that men had higher intake of meat, poultry, and eggs (p < 0.05) and alcohol, particularly older men (p < 0.05), than women. Higher alcohol intake was found for participants with lower levels of income and education (p < 0.01). The intake of fish and seafood was higher for older adults with a high level of income (p < 0.01). Differences were found between the SF diet and the national average but both followed a similar trend (e.g., low in fruits and vegetables and high in solid fats) and did not meet dietary guidelines, particularly for nutrient-dense foods. The intake of total vegetables (p < 0.001) and dark green vegetables (p < 0.001) was higher in the SF Diet and the national average was higher in total grains (p < 0.05), refined grains (p < 0.01), oils and fats (p < 0.001), solid fats (p < 0.001), and added sugar (p < 0.001). By not meeting the dietary guidelines, the findings of this study raise public health concerns.