Diminishing or increasing contrasts? Social class variation in Finnish food consumption patterns, 1979-1990.
The study examines whether social-class-based food consumption patterns changed in Finland during 1979-1990. The data were compiled by the National Public Health Institute in connection with a programme entitled 'Monitoring Health Behaviour among the Finnish Adult Population'. A questionnaire was sent annually to a random sample of Finns (N = 3400-5100, response rate 68-86%). This study was restricted to respondents 25-54 years old. Social class was defined by level of education (low, middle, high). Trends and variations in consumption patterns were studied by cross-tabulations and by fitting logistic regression models. The results show that the proportions of users of butter, high-fat milk and coffee sugar decreased during the study eriod whereas that of regular users of vegetables increased. Since the mid-1980s the shift towards 'healthier' food choices has accelerated among men, yet women are consistently more health-oriented. Social class appears to be a significant determinant of food consumption patterns. Men and women of lower social class follow trends set by upper social classes with a time lag of about ten years. Along with an overall shift towards observance of dietary recommendations, social class differences in Finnish food consumption patterns have diminished, without, however, disappearing altogether.
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LEL Employment Pension Fund, Health Research Department, Helsinki, Finland.
Berg
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Puska
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D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004522:Educational Status; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012923:Social Class; D013997:Time Factors