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Dietary beliefs in the Baltic republics
J Pomerleau1, M McKee, A Robertson
11European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 50 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DP, UK.
Public Health Nutrition
|April 12, 2001
Summary
Many people in Baltic countries hold common dietary myths about salt and fat. Despite some correct beliefs, these did not consistently lead to healthier food behaviors, indicating a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition science
- Public health
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Dietary beliefs significantly influence food behaviors.
- Understanding these beliefs is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Previous research has not extensively explored dietary beliefs in the Baltic region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine dietary beliefs in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
- To investigate the association between beliefs about salt and fat intake and actual food behaviors.
- To identify prevalent dietary myths within the Baltic population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing data from three national surveys in 1997.
- Representative adult samples from Estonia (n=2018), Latvia (n=2308), and Lithuania (n=2153).
- Logistic regression analysis to explore associations between beliefs and behaviors.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of misunderstood dietary concepts (myths) regarding salt, fats, meat, bread, and potatoes.
- Higher education levels correlated with more accurate beliefs about salt and fat intake.
- Correct beliefs about salt and fat were not consistently linked to healthier food behaviors, with an exception for salt intake in Estonia.
Conclusions:
- Prevalent dietary myths persist in the Baltic countries.
- Accurate beliefs regarding salt and fat do not reliably predict healthier food choices.
- Qualitative research is necessary to understand dietary beliefs and barriers to healthy eating.