title: Socio-economic differences in takeaway food consumption among adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine socio-economic differences in the frequency and types of takeaway foods consumed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional postal survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were asked about their usual consumption of overall takeaway food (<4 times/month or ≥4 times/month) and of twenty-two specific takeaway food items (<1 time/month or ≥1 time/month); these latter foods were grouped into 'healthy' and 'less healthy' choices. Socio-economic position was measured on the basis of educational level and equivalised household income, and differences in takeaway food consumption were assessed by calculating prevalence ratios using log binomial regression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adults aged 25-64 years from Brisbane, Australia, were randomly selected from the electoral roll (n 903; 63·7 % response rate).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with their more educated counterparts, the least educated were more regular consumers of overall takeaway food and fruit or vegetable juice and less regular consumers of sushi. For the 'less healthy' items, the least educated more regularly consumed potato chips, savoury pies, fried chicken and non-diet soft drinks; however, the least educated were less likely to consume curry. Household income was not associated with overall takeaway consumption. The lowest-income group was a more regular consumer of fruit or vegetable juice compared with the highest-income group. Among the 'less healthy' items, the lowest-income group was a more regular consumer of fried fish, ice cream and milk shakes, whereas curry was consumed less regularly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The frequency and types of takeaway foods consumed by socio-economically disadvantaged groups may contribute to inequalities in overweight or obesity and to chronic disease.
authors: School of Public Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia. k.miura@qut.edu.au
authors: Kyoko
authors: K
authors: Miura
authors: Katrina
authors: K
authors: Giskes
authors: Gavin
authors: G
authors: Turrell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D057140:Fast Foods / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014675:Vegetables