Correlates of Fat Intake Behaviors in Participants in the Eating for a Healthy Life Study

Abstract

Objective This study identified socioeconomic correlates of total dietary fat intake in the Eating for a Healthy Life Study, a community-based dietary intervention study involving religious organizations. Subjects/design To create our sampling frame for the Eating for a Healthy Life Study, a pool of religious organizations was identified from a list of religious faith organizations provided by the Church Council of Greater Seattle. Individual members were randomly selected from recruited religious organizations to complete a telephone-administered, baseline, cross-sectional survey. There were 2,507 respondents who were eligible, consenting participants. Dietary behavior was assessed using a modified version of the Fat- and Fiber-Related Diet Behavior Questionnaire. Socioeconomic status was assessed using individual demographic variables. Main Outcome Measures Fat-related behaviors indicated by fat summary score and stage of change. Statistical Analyses A multivariable linear regression model was used to examine the association of individual demographic variables with the Fat- and Fiber-Related Diet Behavior Questionnaire-derived measure of dietary fat intake. The same individual variables were used in a multivariable logistic regression model of dietary stage of change. Results Age, race, sex, education, and self-assessed health status were found to be statistically significant correlates of fat intake. Variables associated with stage of dietary fat change included sex, education, and religious organization cohesion. Conclusions Demographic variance is an important factor in understanding dietary fat intake.