Socioeconomic predictors of dietary patterns among Guatemalan adults

We aimed to assess the associations of socioeconomic factors with dietary patterns in a Guatemalan population.

Cross-sectional data of 1076 participants (42 % men, mean age 32.6 ± 4.2 years) collected between 2002 and 2004 in four rural villages in Guatemala. Dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis. Chi-square and Poisson regression models were used to assess associations between socioeconomic factors and dietary patterns.

Three dietary patterns were identified: "Western" (high in processed foods), "traditional" (high in traditional foods) and "coffee and sugar", explaining 11, 7 and 6 % of the variance, respectively. Annual expenditures were associated with a higher adherence to the "Western" pattern: prevalence ratios [(PR) (95 % confidence interval)] 1.92 (1.17-3.15) for the highest vs. lowest expenditure group in men and 8.99 (3.57-22.64) in women. A borderline significant (p = 0.06) negative association was found between the "traditional" pattern and higher household expenditures [0.71 (0.49-1.02) in men] and with schooling [0.23 (0.05-1.02)] in women (p = 0.05).

Dietary patterns in Guatemala are predicted by socioeconomic factors. In particular, high annual expenditures are associated with a more westernized, less traditional diet.