Evaluating knowledge of healthy diet recommendations of Lithuanian adults

Abstract Backgroud Studies show that diet of Lithuanian population does not follow healthy diet recommendations and is related to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. By knowing Lithuanian populations knowledge about the dietary recommendations and in what socio-demographic groups what dietary recommendation knowledge is missing, we could use effective targeted health promotion and prevention programs or provide particular information for those groups. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019. 1007 residents of Lithuania aged 18-75 were surveyed by anonymous questionnaire. Survey was carried out by using multi-stage stratified random sampling. Results Almost half of the respondents (45.5% (95% CI: 45.5; 51.7)) knew how many times a day fruits and vegetables should be consumed. Possession of having this knowledge was significantly associated with female gender (OR = 1.67 (95% CI: 1.29; 2.14)) and higher education (OR = 1.83 (95% CI: 1.41; 2.3)). Only 21.2% (95% CI: 18.7; 23.7) of the respondents knew that bread and grain products should be taken several times a day. More than half of the population knew the recommendations for meat, fish, milk and dairy products 56.7% (95% CI: 53.6; 59.7). Respondents with higher education had a 2.05 times higher chance (OR = 2.05 (95% CI: 1.55; 2.72)) of knowing these recommendations. 39.7% (95% CI: 36.7; 42.8) knew that butter, salt and sweets should be consumed rarely and in small quantities. Having this knowledge was significantly associated with female gender (OR = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.37; 2.34)), higher education (OR = 1.75 (95% CI: 1.32, 2.32)), and living in a bigger city (OR = 1.67 (95) % CI: 1.19; 2.35)). Conclusions Lithuanian populations knowledge about the recommendations of healthy nutrition is insufficient, therefore, in order to reduce the morbidity of cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary to provide the population with information on healthy nutrition. Key messages The population of Lithuania lacks knowledge about healthy eating recommendations. Although it is necessary to provide all residents of Lithuania with information about health nutrition recommendations, the main focus should be on men and people with lower education.