Socio-Psychological Factors Associated with Young Australian Adults' Consumption of Energy Dense and Nutrient Poor (EDNP) Foods.

Claire Margerison,Krupa Thammaiah Kombanda,Alison Booth,Anthony Worsley

doi:10.3390/nu14040812

Abstract

Young Australian adults’ exhibit high consumption of Energy Dense and Nutrient Poor (EDNP) foods; however, there is limited research concerning the factors influencing their consumption. This study aimed to explore socio-psychological factors associated with young Australian adults’ (18–30 years) consumption of EDNP foods with consideration of the Food Related Lifestyle Model (FRLM) as a potential framework. Through qualitative descriptive research methodology, 38 young adults were interviewed. Data were thematically analyzed. Participants were classified into three groups based on their living arrangements namely, parental, shared and independent households. Five themes emerged, (1) psychological factors (2) intrinsic qualities of EDNP foods, (3) social factors, (4) accessibility and affordability and (5) health related beliefs. The FRLM takes into consideration some of the factors reported in this study as influencers of EDNP food intakes. However, the FRLM omits important psychological factors (motivation, restraint, cravings, coping strategies and habits) identified by participants as influencers over their EDNP food intakes. The FRLM may need to be extended in its application to EDNP food intakes of young Australian adults. Social marketing campaigns highlighting health risks, addressing social and environmental factors are suggested. The social desirability of healthier alternatives in social gatherings of young adults could be increased.

Highlights

Australia has one of the world’s highest prevalence of overweight and obese people [1]
While there are several factors that increase NCD risk, the key factors leading to the burden of disease in Australia and elsewhere are unhealthy body mass index, poor intake of fruit and vegetables and a high intake of Energy Dense and Nutrient Poor (EDNP) foods or discretionary foods [9]
Theme 1 includes five psychological factors that participants thought influenced their consumption of EDNP foods

Summary

Introduction

Australia has one of the world’s highest prevalence of overweight and obese people [1]. In 2017–2018, nearly two-thirds of Australians aged 18 years and above (67%) were recorded as overweight (36%) or obese (31%) [2]. Most age cohorts (adolescents, young adults and adults have been gaining weight rapidly during the last few years; it is young adults (18–30 years) who have been showing the greatest weight gain in high-income countries such as Australia [3–6]. This is concerning as overweight and obesity increase the risk of developing NonCommunicable Diseases (NCD’s) such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers [7] which in turn increase the risk of premature death [8]. While there are several factors that increase NCD risk, the key factors leading to the burden of disease in Australia and elsewhere are unhealthy body mass index (overweight or obesity), poor intake of fruit and vegetables and a high intake of Energy Dense and Nutrient Poor (EDNP) foods or discretionary foods [9]

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Conclusion