[Dietary habits: Croatian health survey]

To examine dietary habits and to determine the presence of possible regional differences in Croatia.

Survey was performed during 2003 by means of modified food frequency questionnaire. Survey included randomly selected 9070 adult examinees at the age of 18 and above in the whole Croatia. The SPSS program using weighted database was used for statistical analysis.

Obtained data indicate existing significant differences in dietary habits at county and regional level in nutrition of the Croatian population. There is a tendency toward grouping as much unhealthy dietary habits as healthy by certain counties, respectively regions. Population of the Eastern and Northern regions (except of the Medjimurska County) living in the counties of Vukovarsko-srijemska, Koprivnicko-krizevacka, Pozesko-slavonska and Viroviticko-podravska in comparison to population of other counties, respectively regions, significantly more often use animal fats, add salt to foods, consume less fruit and vegetables, eat more cakes, sweets and cured meat products. The observed characteristics are considered risk factors for development of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic non-communicable diseases. Population of the Southern and Western regions, in the counties of Primorsko-goranska, Istarska, Zadarska, Dubrovacko-neretvanska, but also in Medjimurska County, significantly more often use vegetable oils; they also on daily basis consume more often fruit and vegetables, less frequent or rarely add salt and consume sweets and cakes. Differences are also observed in dietary habits between genders, but also within the same sex in certain counties.

Indicators of the present nutrition of the population show regional dietary differences. It is important to point out a need for broader education of general public regarding the impact of diet on health, principles of healthy nutrition, and promotion of comparative advantages of the Mediterranean diet as a prototype of healthy nutrition.