Features of nutrition in the population depending on socioeconomic conditions

Abstract

Introduction. Recent evidence suggests that the quality of nutrition in the population is related to socioeconomic status. Besides, the mortality rate from alimentary-dependent diseases is high in the socioeconomically vulnerable groups of the population. Identifying the characteristics of diet depending on the socio-economic status of the population will help to establish effective ways for disease prevention and potentially reduce mortality rates. Material and Methods. A total of 1,600 people aged 35–70 were surveyed to determine the education level, income, and family composition. The nature of nutrition was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, adapted for the Russianspeaking population. Statistical data analysis was performed using Statistica 6.0 software. Results. Women preferred more fruits (score 32.0 [16.0-1744], QR = 10.0, p = 0.000), vegetables (74.0 [34.0–190.0] points, QR = 23.0, p = 0.000), and cereals (16.0 [7.0–32.0] points, QR = 6.0, p = 0.000) compared with men. The consumption of above-mentioned food groups increased with age. Urban residents more often preferred fruits (59.0 [24.0–135.0] points, QR = 20, p = 0.028) and soft drinks (24.0 [10.0–41.0] points, QR = 6, p = 0.005) compared with rural residents. People with higher education more often consumed the following food groups: cereals/porridge (16.0 [7.0–30.0] points, QR = 6, p = 0.000), nuts (2.0 [1.0–7.0] points, QR = 2, p = 0.000), and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (29.0 [13.0–50.0] points, QR = 6, p = 0.000). High-income respondents more often preferred fruits (60.0 [24.0–124.0] points, QR = 19, p = 0.001), vegetables (92.0 [42.0–171.0] points, QR = 28, p = 0.047), animal products (47.0 [23.0–112.0] points, QR = 13, p = 0.005), and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (29.0 [13.0–50.0] points, QR = 6.5, p = 0.000). Surveyed persons living with a family more often consumed fruits (58.0 [24.0–1782.0] points, QR = 19, p = 0.038), vegetables (92.0 [40.0–232.0] points, QR = 29, p = 0.001), animal products (47.0 [21.0–112.0] points, QR = 12, p = 0.000), potatoes and cereals (40.0 [16.0–69.0] points, QR = 9, p = 0.000), and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (28.0 [10.0–50.0] points, QR = 6, p = 0.000). Conclusion. The urban population with high income, high education level, and living with family as well as women and representatives of older age group more often consumed fruits, vegetables, and cereals in their diet compared with the rural population had low income, low education level, or lack of family.