Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the association between dietary patterns and sociodemographic factors using the data of Lithuanian health behavior monitoring. In 1998-2004, four cross-sectional surveys were carried out within the Finbalt Health Monitor project. For every survey, a random sample of 3000 Lithuanians aged 20-64 years was taken from the National Population Register by mailed questionnaires. The response rates varied from 61.7% to 74.4%. Factor analysis was employed in order to reduce the number of food items. Four main factors were defined: "light food," "sweets," "heavy food," and "cereals" factors. The associations between dietary patterns and sociodemographic factors were examined by applying a logistic regression analysis. Four major factors accounted for 45.9% of the total variance in food intake in men and 46.5% in women. The "sweets" factor was inversely associated with age both in men and women. A strong positive association was found between age and the "cereals" factor. Men and women with a higher level of education were more likely to follow "light food" and "sweets" pattern and less likely "heavy food" if compared with people with a lower level of education. The odds of consuming "light food" were higher in cities than in rural areas. Married men and women were more likely to follow "heavy food" pattern compared to unmarried. This study identified four main dietary patterns in Lithuanian population. Dietary patterns of people with a higher level of education and inhabitants of cities are closer to the recommendations on healthy nutrition.
Highlights
Nutrition plays an important role in the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCD): cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and stroke, obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, various forms of cancers [1]
This study identified four main dietary patterns in Lithuanian population
Dietary patterns of people with a higher level of education and inhabitants of cities are closer to the recommendations on healthy nutrition
Summary
Nutrition plays an important role in the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCD): cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and stroke, obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, various forms of cancers [1]. Studies have shown higher mortality and morbidity from NCD in lower socioeconomic groups [2, 3]. People with a higher socioeconomic status choose a healthier diet as compared to those with a lower socioeconomic status [5, 6]. Higher socioeconomic status is associated with higher consumption of both fruits and vegetables and lower consumption of animal fat. People from higher social classes are more likely to choose modern and healthy foods, while people with lower socioeconomic status tend to follow a traditional diet [7,8,9]. Substantial changes in nutritional habits of adult population have been observed in 1994–2004 in Lithuania [10]. All social groups of Lithuanian population have changed their diet, the social differences in nutrition habits still remained significant
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