The impact of joining the Eurozone on nutrition habits in Lithuania

Abstract

Abstract Background Increases in the cost of food often leads to changes in the quantity and type of foods that are purchased. World Health Organization estimates that today’s global food prices rose to the highest level. Numerous research results show that the effect of the conversion of national currencies to the euro on the growth of consumer prices in euro area countries was generally mild and one-off. The aim - to explore the eating habits in 2019 of the Lithuanian population and compare it with results of an eating habits research which was made before the joining euro zone in 2013. Methods The sample under the survey included 1007 of the Lithuania’s population. The interviewing under a questionnaire was carried out in March 2019 using the questionnaire developed for this purpose. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS program package. The results were compared with nutritional habits of the survey done in 2013. Results The results showed that only one-fifth of the Lithuanian adult population thinks about food choices for health benefits - 22 % (in 2013 - 21 %). Food choice is affected by the taste - 37 % (in 2013 - 28%), to a lesser extent - the food price, which represents 24 % (in 2013 - 37%). 67% of the Lithuanian population (in 2013 - 43%) do not always eat at the same time. 59% (in 2013 - 59%) of the adult population eats three times a day. The majority - 98% (in 2013 - 92.9%) of the respondents had a snack between main meals. It is recommended to eat fresh vegetables every day, but this recommendation is shared by 55% (in 2013 - 40%). The milk and milk products are used each day by 51% (37% in 2013) of the population. The majority - 42% (in 2013 - 82%) of adult Lithuanian population most frequently used vegetable oil. Conclusions More people started to choose food by taste, and a decreased number of those who choose by price. There is increased number of people who eat fresh vegetables every day and decreased number of people who use vegetable oil. Key messages There are differents in nutrition habits among Lithuania population before and after joining Eurozone. The study showed the impact of joining the Eurozone on the diet of the population.