Older Chinese adults' milk consumption habits: A study across 5 cities

Abstract

Milk consumption in China has experienced a rapid growth over the past few decades. This study explored milk consumption habits of Chinese older adult regular milk consumers, by investigating what, where, when, with whom, why and how milk was consumed. This study (n = 1000) was conducted in 5 cities in China (first-tier: Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou; second-tier: Chengdu and Shenyang) with participants balanced by gender and age groups (45-55 and 65-75 years old). Given different economies, general dietary habits, and lifestyles, differences in milk consumption habits between cities were hypothesized. The results showed that almost all participants consumed cow milk, at home and by direct drinking. Most participants consumed milk during breakfast, with their family and for nutrition and health purposes. However, variations by city were found in what type of, what fat level of, what brand of, when and how milk was consumed. Multiple factor analysis showed that 'what' variable differentiated cities between tiers and among the first-tier cities, and that 'when' and how' variables also separated the 2 s-tier cities and from the first-tier cities. Although variation in how milk was consumed was also observed between genders and age groups, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the 4 clusters of milk consumption habits derived were mainly differentiated by city: Beijing & Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenyang. This study provides comprehensive insights into the milk consumption habits of Chinese older adults and highlights the significant heterogeneity in milk consumption habits in China by city.