Perceptions of Moscow population about healthy nutrition and food consumption in households

Abstract

Background. Nutrition is one of the most important determinants for the population health. Increasing the population commitment to a healthy lifestyle, in particular healthy nutrition, is an important state task, which includes an integrated approach: educational policy, creation of an economic, legislative and material base. Monitoring is necessary to determine the necessary areas of work and evaluate their effectiveness. Subject. Perceptions of Moscow population about capital about healthy eating and eating behavior. Objective. To identify the specifics of the Moscow population's perception of healthy eating and appropriate behavior, with comparison to the healthy eating norms. Methods. Authors used statistical data by Rosstat on the consumption of basic food products and telephone survey of the Moscow population, conducted by the Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical Management of Moscow Healthcare Department (2021). 474 people were interviewed, representing the population by age and sex. Results. The majority of Muscovites (59%) consider healthy eating as abiding by nutritional principles. 22% of respondents told about the need to exclude/reduce certain foods and dishes (fatty, sweet, fried food) in their diet. 26% of respondents associate vegetables with a healthy diet, 17% named fruits, 7% mentioned meat. The study revealed insufficient consumption of 1) vegetables and melons is detected: 102.9 kg/year/person vs the recommended 140 kg/year/person; 2) fruits and berries: 80.6 kg/year/person vs the recommended 100 kg/year/person. In turn, the consumption of sugar and confectionery products is excessive: 22.1 kg/year/person vs the recommended 8 kg/year/person. Consumption of meat and processed meat is also excessive, mainly due to industrial meat products. The study correlated statistical and survey data and found a few intersecting points. Conclusion. In general, the population has notions of a healthy diet, but it needs to be supplemented, adjusted and systematized. In particular, eating habits of specific foods prove the need to strengthen preventive work in this area.