SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES AS PREDICTORS OF DIETARY PATTERNS AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role sociodemographic variables as predictors of dietary patterns. It was hypothesized that demographic variables (gender, body mass index (BMI), cumulative grade point average, parents' Education, family type and family size) would strongly predict food preference categories (vegetables, fruits, meat/fish, dairy, snacks, starches). A purposive sample of 400 undergraduate students (200 males, 200 females) with an age range of 19-25 years was selected from public universities in Lahore. All research participants were requested to fill out the demographic form along with a Food Preferences questionnaire developed by (Smith, 2016) for young adults to measure the food preferences of adults. Results indicated that BMI significantly predicts three categories of food preferences scale (meat, dairy, and starches) CGPA significantly predicted vegetables, whereas it negatively predicted starches categories. Family size positively predicted vegetables, snacks, and starches categories. The family system positively predicted snack categories. Conclusively these findings might help develop food-based dietary guidelines in young adults. Keywords: Dietary patterns, Sociodemographic Variables, Gender, Young Adults