[Correlation between dietary behavior and educational attainment: results of the 1984/85 nutrition survey of the Augsburg MONICA project].

The relationship between educational attainment and dietary behaviour was examined in a South German population of men aged 45 to 64 years. Analyses are based on data from the MONICA Augsburg Dietary Survey 1984/85 (7-day dietary records, n = 899). The evaluation of the daily food consumption shows that men with higher educational attainment prefer healthier food items than men with lower educational attainment. The healthier food pattern in men with higher educational attainment is reflected in a lower cholesterol intake and in a higher fibre intake. The mean daily intake of vitamins, minerals and trace elements is better in men with higher educational attainment with the exception of the vitamin niacin. The total daily caloric intake, fat intake and the combination of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids is independent of educational attainment. The percentage of carbohydrates, protein and fat of the total caloric intake is nearly the same in all educational attainment groups. The results concerning food pattern and nutrient intake by educational attainment offer important information with regard to the development of strategies for the improvement of nutrition habits.