The Association between Economic Status and Diet-related Attitudes and Behaviors, as Well as Diet-related Quality of Life in Adults

Abstract

Objective: This study examined whether economic status is associated with diet-related attitudes and behaviors, as well as diet-related quality of life in adults. Methods: We analyzed data from 1,867 adults who completed structured interviews as part of the Cabinet Office＇s 2011 ＂Survey of Public Awareness for Shokuiku＂ (from a nationally representative sample of 3,000). Ultimately, data from 1,522 adults (706 men and 816 women) were analyzed. Two variables were used to examine objective and subjective economic status: household income (<2,000,000 yen, 2,000,000~6,000,000 yen, ≥6,000,000 yen) and subjective economic status (＂less affluent,＂ ＂neither,＂ ＂affluent＂). Multiple logistic analyses were used to assess the associations between economic status and diet-related variables (35 indicators) controlling for demographic and other economic variables. Results: In terms of food selection, the odds ratios (OR) of individuals with lower economic status (<2,000,000 yen or ＂less affluent＂; LES) were statistically higher for cost and volume of food than the ORs of individuals with higher economic status (>6,000,000 yen or ＂more affluent＂; the referent). However, ORs of individuals with LES were lower on taste, area of production, and nutrition. In terms of future knowledge demand, the OR of individuals with LES was statistically higher for saving food cost. However, the OR was lower for making healthy meals. Furthermore, dietary behaviors, such as eating breakfast, were associated with subjective economic status but not household income. Conclusion: These findings suggest that economic status, especially subjective economic status, is associated with diet-related attitudes and behaviors that can be targeted for nutrition education.