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Consumer misperceptions of diet quality.
J N Variyam1, Y Shim, J Blaylock
1Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20036-5831, USA. j.variyam@ers.usda.gov
Journal of Nutrition Education
|May 29, 2002
Summary
Many people overestimate their diet quality. About 40% of household meal planners are "optimists," perceiving their diet as healthier than it is, influenced by factors like household size and education.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Accurate self-assessment of diet quality is crucial for dietary behavior change.
- Previous research has not fully explored the extent of consumer misperception regarding diet quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare consumers' self-perceived diet quality with objectively calculated diet quality.
- To identify factors contributing to misperceptions of one's own diet quality.
Main Methods:
- Diet quality was assessed using self-perception and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI).
- Data from 2862 household meal planners/preparers were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Approximately 40% of household meal planners/preparers were classified as 'optimists,' overestimating their diet quality.
- Significant predictors of optimistic misperception included household size, gender, education, smoking status, perceived health, and nutrition beliefs.
Conclusions:
- A substantial portion of the population exhibits a misperception of their diet quality.
- Health professionals should address this 'dietary optimism' and educate individuals about their actual diet quality.