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- Title
Nutritional attitudes and perceptions amongst a sample of Canadian adults.
- Authors
Yinko, S. Leung; Motiei-Roshan, G.; Kalergis, M.; Bourdeau, S.; Savoie, N.; Rolland, C.
- Abstract
Introduction: Understanding Canadians' attitudes and perceptions towards food and nutrition is key to help them improve their dietary choices. Objectives: To qualitatively explore attitudes and perceptions of Canadian adults with respect to diet and food choices. Methods: The exploratory study was conducted in July 2016 by the research firm Ipsos. Participants were 37 women and 25 men aged 18-65 from Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, selected randomly via a panel of >100 000 individuals. An asynchronous online discussion forum was held over 3 days and 50 open-ended questions regarding food choices were asked. Data was analyzed by a senior researcher according to criteria established by the dietitians of Dairy Farmers of Canada. Results: Participants recognized the importance of a healthy diet. However, they reported having difficulty choosing nutritious foods and often sacrificing food quality due to lack of time and money. Eating for taste and pleasure was sometimes more important than nutritional quality. Locally grown products and traditional foods were aspects considered by some participants. Some also mentioned their concern for the way animals are raised. The majority of participants mentioned a desire to include more fruits and vegetables, legumes, fibre, and fish in their diet, and less red meat, sugar, fat, and processed foods. Most participants perceived that they consume sufficient milk products, while some reported preferring to decrease their intake. The reasons for increasing or decreasing the consumption of certain foods was mainly based on how the food makes them feel rather than nutrition knowledge. Conclusions: Several factors appear to be important with respect to diet and food choices including taste, healthiness, and quality. Aspects such as time and cost might be barriers to healthy choices. Additional research should validate and quantify these attitudes and perceptions, to shape nutrition communications that will successfully improve Canadian's dietary choices.
- Subjects
ATTITUDE testing; FOOD preferences; HEALTH attitudes; NUTRITION; SENSORY perception; QUESTIONNAIRES; RESEARCH; STATISTICAL sampling; QUALITATIVE research
- Publication
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research, 2017, Vol 78, Issue 3, p161
- ISSN
1486-3847
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3148/cjdpr-2017-024