E J Lea1, D Crawford, A Worsley. 1. Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia. emma_lea@hotmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine consumers' perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. DESIGN: Mail survey that included questions on perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. SETTING: Victoria, Australia. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and fifteen randomly selected Victorian adults. RESULTS: The main perceived barrier to adoption of a plant-based diet was a lack of information about plant-based diets (42% agreement). Sex, age and education differences were present in over a quarter of the barrier items. For example, non-university-educated respondents and older people were less willing to change their current eating pattern than were university educated and younger respondents. The main benefits associated with plant-based diets were health benefits, particularly decreased saturated fat intake (79% agreement), increased fibre intake (76%), and disease prevention (70%). Age, sex and education differences with regard to benefits were apparent, although sex differences were more important than age or education differences. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents perceived there to be health benefits associated with the consumption of a plant-based diet. Compared with the proportion of respondents who agreed that there were particular benefits of eating a plant-based diet, perceived barriers were relatively low. An understanding of the perceived benefits and barriers of consuming a plant-based diet will help formulate strategies that aim to influence beliefs about plant foods, plant food consumption, and, ultimately, public health.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine consumers' perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. DESIGN: Mail survey that included questions on perceived benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet. SETTING: Victoria, Australia. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and fifteen randomly selected Victorian adults. RESULTS: The main perceived barrier to adoption of a plant-based diet was a lack of information about plant-based diets (42% agreement). Sex, age and education differences were present in over a quarter of the barrier items. For example, non-university-educated respondents and older people were less willing to change their current eating pattern than were university educated and younger respondents. The main benefits associated with plant-based diets were health benefits, particularly decreased saturated fat intake (79% agreement), increased fibre intake (76%), and disease prevention (70%). Age, sex and education differences with regard to benefits were apparent, although sex differences were more important than age or education differences. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents perceived there to be health benefits associated with the consumption of a plant-based diet. Compared with the proportion of respondents who agreed that there were particular benefits of eating a plant-based diet, perceived barriers were relatively low. An understanding of the perceived benefits and barriers of consuming a plant-based diet will help formulate strategies that aim to influence beliefs about plant foods, plant food consumption, and, ultimately, public health.
Authors: Gabrielle Turner-McGrievy; Sara Wilcox; Edward A Frongillo; Angela Murphy; Brent Hutto; Kim Williams; Anthony Crimarco; Mary Wilson; Marty Davey Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Date: 2019-11-16 Impact factor: 2.226