Influence of educational level and marital status on dietary intake, obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors in a Hong Kong Chinese population

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the influence of education and marital status on dietary intake, body mass index, waist hip ratio, blood pressure, fasting and 2 h glucose, and lipid profile in adult Hong Kong Chinese.

Design: Randomized age and sex stratified survery

Subjects: One thousand and ten subjects aged 25–74 y (500 men, 510 women) recruited for the 1995–96 Hong Kong Dietary and Cardiovascular Risk Prevalence Survey.

Measurements: Dietary intake was estimated using a food frequency method. Information on education level and marital status was included in the questionnaire. Anthropometry and biochemical parameters were measured using standard methods.

Results: After adjustment for age, higher levels of education are associated with higher percentage protein intake in men, higher percentage fat intake in women, higher nutrient density of fibre and calcium in both men and women, and higher nutrient density of protein, fat, niacin, vitamin D, and polyunsaturated fatty acid in women. Consumption of fruits was also higher in women, and that of dairy products higher in men. Body mass index and waist-hip ratio were lower with increasing levels of education in women, while lower mean systolic BP was observed in men. Single women had lower nutrient densities of vitamin D and iron, and lower consumption of vegetables and fish, compared with married women. Body mass index was lower in both single men and women. Single men had a better cardiovascular risk factor profile, in that diastolic BP, triglycerides and cholesterol/HDL ratio were lower, in addition to a lower body mass index.

Conclusion: Higher education level is associated with a healthier diet and lower prevalence of overweight.

Sponsorship: Hong Kong Health Services Research Grant.