Abstract
This study analysed the perceptions about healthy eating as well as some emotional factors conditioning eating behaviour in a sample of people from Portugal, Brazil and Argentina. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a non-probabilistic sample of 2501 participant. Data was collected through a questionnaire applied to adult citizens residing in their respective countries. For data analysis chi-square tests were used, and associations were evaluated by Cramer’s coefficients. Moreover, a tree classification analysis was conducted for variables related with perceptions about healthy eating and emotional conditioning of eating behaviour. The results revealed that participants’ perceptions are generally in agreement with healthy eating. However, significant differences were found between countries (p = 0.018) and by levels of education (p < 0.0005), with a more accurate perception for Portugal and at the university level. The existence of statistically significant associations between all sociodemographic variables considered and the conditioning of eating behaviour by emotional motivations should be noted. Tree classification analysis showed that the most important discriminant sociodemographic variable for perceptions about healthy eating was education, followed by professional area and country, while the most relevant discriminants for emotional conditioning of eating behaviour were country and then living environment and sex. Thus, it is important to consider these variables in initiatives that aim to promote adherence to behaviours that contribute to the health and well-being of the population.
Highlights
Human behaviour regarding food is associated with a large number of interrelated factors [1], including those of a psychological and social nature
Significant differences were found in the perceptions about healthy eating for countries and education levels, with more correct perceptions for people from Portugal and with a university degree
The results of this study indicated that, in general, the participants’ perceptions about healthy eating are in line with the preconized principles of a healthy diet, regarding the importance of consuming fruits and vegetables, of practicing a balanced, varied and complete diet, and of consuming foods from organic farming
Summary
Human behaviour regarding food is associated with a large number of interrelated factors [1], including those of a psychological and social nature. This constitutes an inseparable act of human survival and encompasses two functions, maintain the level of nutrients necessary for the body and provide the pleasure that is derived from the act of eating through the release of serotonin and dopamine [2]. Human beings need a varied diet so that it is balanced and healthy [4] This is an object of study that has been the target of an increasing number of investigations, since unhealthy eating behaviour is an important risk factor for health and mortality [5]. Some studies support the association between organic farming and health, like for example Costa et al [9] report that organic farming is safer than conventional farming, because this last can cause DNA damage in people exposed to pesticides
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