Determinants of healthy food choice in a population-based sample

Objective: To develop and test a dietary behavior model that predicted healthy food choice (i.e., foods consistent with dietary guideline recommendations). It was hypothesized that sociodemographic factors (age, sex, household income and composition), health-related cognitive/rational factors (beliefs and knowledge), affective/emotional factors (food preference), and nonhealth-related factors (personal appearance concern) would be associated with the purchase of healthy food. Methods: Study was based on a cross-sectional representative sample (n=322) of the general population. Results: Predictors of healthy food choice (in order of strength) were food preference, acceptance of the diet-health relationship, living alone, residence in a high-income household, and concern about personal appearance. Conclusion: Health promotion programs need to reflect the diversity of determinants of dietary behavior and their relative saliency in the food choice decision.