Knowledge and Opinions About Sustainable Nutrition and the Factors Associated With Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors in Adults

Abstract

Introduction.The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and opinions about sustainable nutrition and the factors associated with sustainable and healthy eating behaviors among individuals aged 18 to 65 years. Methods. An online cross-sectional survey-based study included analysis of demographic and anthropometric characteristics, participants’ knowledge and opinions about sustainable nutrition, and their scores on the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors (SHEB) Scale. The snowball sampling method was used. Results. The study included 3,037 adults with a mean age of 25.62 ± 9.66 years. Participants scored highest on the factors of healthy and balanced nutrition and low fat, and lowest on the factors of local food and reducing meat consumption. The SHEB Scale scores for women (4.04 ± 1.12) were higher compared to men (3.83 ± 1.21) (p < 0.001). A significant association was identified between age and SHEB Scale scores (OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), with no association observed with body mass index. Women were more likely to display sustainable and healthy eating behaviors compared to men (OR=1.45 95% CI 1.23-1.71), as were married participants compared to single participants (OR=1.87 95% CI 1.54-2.27). Conclusions. The results of this study indicate that sustainable nutrition is not well understood among adults. Advancing age, female gender, and being married were found to be associated with higher scores on the SHEB Scale.