Health behaviour in baby boomers and Generations X, Y, and Z: focus on dietary fibre and saturated fat intake

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the frequency of food intake as a source of dietary fibre and saturated fatty acid intake in terms of preventive health care for women and men of the baby boomer (BB), X, Y, and Z generations. Design/methodology/approach: The research instrument was a survey questionnaire administered through the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method using Google Forms. The survey was conducted from February to March 2023. The survey included 204 respondents between the ages of 19 and 60, residents of Gdynia. Purposive group selection was used. The results of the survey are presented as the percentage distribution (percentage) of each evaluation (% of indications). A chi-square test with Yates correction was used to determine the effect of gender and age on lifestyle, dietary style and frequency of dietary fibre and saturated fatty acid intake in the study groups. Findings: Analysis of the consumption of selected food groups by respondents showed that gender and age influenced the lifestyle and type of selected food products consumed by adults, and therefore the attainment of individual nutrient requirements, and the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. It is satisfactory that the level of fat intake among the surveyed group of respondents was at an appropriately low level. On the other hand, the inadequate and very low intake of dietary fibre among women and men remains a concern. Research limitations/implications: The research has certain limitations. The results obtained are not representative and cannot be generalised to the population of women and men of the baby boomer (BB), X, Y and Z generations in Poland. Practical implications: The present study is part of health risk management and health promotion in the Polish population. It is important that adults (in Poland) pay attention to the impact of the products they consume on their health, since the lack of a balanced diet and an excessive supply of simple carbohydrates and saturated fatty acids carries a risk of reducing their quality of life. It is essential to conduct research monitoring the dietary behaviour of various population groups to evaluate the need for preventive actions to ensure health and better safeguard the mental and physical condition of current and future generations. Social implications: The research is part of health risk management and health promotion in the Polish population. Originality/value: The research adds to the knowledge of adult eating behaviour from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals. Keywords: adult consumers, eating habits, health-related quality of life. Category of the paper: Research paper