Dietary intake in midlife and associations with standard of living, education and nutrition literacy
Catherine L Wall, Richard B Gearry, John Pearson, Winsome Parnell, Paula M L Skidmore
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in New Zealand, but risk factors may be decreased by consuming a heart healthy diet. This pilot study investigated whether participants met the guidelines for a heart healthy diet and whether a novel heart healthy dietary pattern could be identified using principal components analysis. The second aim of this project was to assess if higher education, standard of living and nutrition literacy are associated with a heart healthy dietary pattern. 62 participants completed questionnaires and an estimated food record. Higher standard of living, education and nutrition literacy were associated with a healthier dietary eating pattern. However, as no participants met all the dietary recommendations more education and support is needed to help people meet these.
