Socioeconomic Inequities in Diet Quality and Nutrient Intakes among Australian Adults: Findings from a Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study.

Katherine Livingstone,Beth Meertens,Jane Potter,Sarah Mcnaughton,Rachael Reynolds,Xenia Cleanthous,Kylie Ball,Dana Olstad,Rebecca Leech

doi:10.3390/nu9101092

Katherine Livingstone, Beth Meertens + Show 7 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9101092

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Abstract

Poor diet may represent one pathway through which lower socioeconomic position (SEP) leads to adverse health outcomes. This study examined the associations between SEP and diet quality, its components, energy, and nutrients in a nationally representative sample of Australians. Dietary data from two 24-h recalls collected during the cross-sectional Australian Health Survey 2011-13 (n = 4875; aged ≥ 19 years) were analysed. Diet quality was evaluated using the Dietary Guidelines Index (DGI). SEP was assessed by index of area-level socioeconomic disadvantage, education level, and household income. Linear regression analyses investigated the associations between measures of SEP and dietary intakes. Across all of the SEP indicators, compared with the least disadvantaged group, the most disadvantaged group had 2.5–4.5 units lower DGI. A greater area-level disadvantage was associated with higher carbohydrate and total sugars intake. Lower education was associated with higher trans fat, carbohydrate, and total sugars intake and lower poly-unsaturated fat and fibre intake. Lower income was associated with lower total energy and protein intake and higher carbohydrate and trans fat intake. Lower SEP was generally associated with poorer diet quality and nutrient intakes, highlighting dietary inequities among Australian adults, and a need to develop policy that addresses these inequities.

Highlights

Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) has been associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes [1]
Participant characteristics and dietary intakes by area-level disadvantage, education level, and income are presented in Tables S2 and S3
The present study is one of the first nationally-representative studies in Australia to evaluate the associations between SEP and dietary intakes at the level of nutrients, foods, and overall diet quality based on two days of dietary recalls

Summary

Introduction

Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) has been associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes [1]. Individuals with lower SEP, such as those with a lower level of education or income, or living in a socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhood, have poorer diets as compared with those with a higher SEP [3]. Dietary intakes amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are typically characterised by a greater consumption of energy-dense foods [4], and lower intakes of fruits and vegetables [5], thereby resulting in poorer profiles of nutrient intakes [3]. Understanding of how SEP relates to overall diet quality and the intake of specific foods and nutrients is limited

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