[Food habits in Hedmark related to gender, education and marital status]

Several studies have shown a positive correlation between length of education and healthy dietary habits. This study examines associations between dietary habits and gender, length of education and marital status among adults in a Norwegian county. In 1997, all residents aged 40-42 (n = 7,870), in Hedmark County were invited to participate in the Age 40 Programme of the National Health Screening Service; 64% participated. Data on the consumption of selected foods were collected by a questionnaire. We found that relatively more women than men had fish at least once a week and fruit/vegetables and skimmed milk at least once a day. Women were also less likely to use butter on sandwiches. Comparing dietary habits with respondents' length of education, we found that a larger proportion of those with more education often had fish, fruit/vegetables and skimmed milk than did those with less education. The better educated were also more likely not to use butter/margarine on sandwiches. No clear correlation between marital status and dietary habits was found. The women in our study adhered more strictly to the recommended use of more fruit and vegetables and less fat than did the men, and the better educated group of respondents had dietary habits which were more in line with dietary recommendations.