Food consumption patterns in the economic transition in Vietnam

This paper investigated Vietnamese food consumption patterns, in terms of food quantity and total energy intake, and examined how these food patterns differ by demography and socio-economic status for the Vietnamese. Data used in this paper were from the Vietnam Living Standards Survey national cross-sectional study in 1997-1998. Descriptive and regression analyses identified different food consumption patterns among 5,999 participating households. Results showed that the traditional diet in Vietnam is high in carbohydrates and low in fat; together with unaccounted eating-out foods, these dietary patterns may contribute to the population's low energy intake. The regression models identified place of residence, family income, household size, education of the head of household, ethnicity, and ecological region to be significantly associated with energy intake. Socio-economic and demographic status must be considered in developing national strategies and implementing plans of action to improve nutrition.