Objective: This study identified socioeconomic correlates of total dietary fat intake in the Eating for a Healthy Life Study, a community-based dietary intervention study involving religious organizations.
Subjects/design: To create our sampling frame for the Eating for a Healthy Life Study, a pool of religious organizations was identified from a list of religious faith organizations provided by the Church Council of Greater Seattle. Individual members were randomly selected from recruited religious organizations to complete a telephone-administered, baseline, cross-sectional survey. There were 2,507 respondents who were eligible, consenting participants. Dietary behavior was assessed using a modified version of the Fat- and Fiber-Related Diet Behavior Questionnaire. Socioeconomic status was assessed using individual demographic variables.
Main outcome measures: Fat-related behaviors indicated by fat summary score and stage of change.
Statistical analyses: A multivariable linear regression model was used to examine the association of individual demographic variables with the Fat- and Fiber-Related Diet Behavior Questionnaire-derived measure of dietary fat intake. The same individual variables were used in a multivariable logistic regression model of dietary stage of change.
Results: Age, race, sex, education, and self-assessed health status were found to be statistically significant correlates of fat intake. Variables associated with stage of dietary fat change included sex, education, and religious organization cohesion.
Conclusions: Demographic variance is an important factor in understanding dietary fat intake.