Regional and socioeconomic variations in dietary patterns in a representative sample of young polish females: a cross-sectional study (GEBaHealth project)

Background Associations between dietary patterns (DPs) and socioeconomic correlates among adolescents from emerging economy countries are not fully understood. The study analysed variations in DPs adherence depending on country regions and family socioeconomic status (SES) among Polish females. Methods Data from a representative sample (n = 1107) of Polish females 13-21-year-old was used. Four DPs were previously identified by principal component analysis. Regions were ranked by Gross Domestic Product. A SES index as an overall measure of family SES was developed. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for age and body mass index were created. Results Higher adherence to 'Fast-food and sweets' DP was found in the less affluent (North) region when compared to four other regions (Odds ratio (OR): 1.94 to 1.63). Higher adherence to 'Fruit and vegetables' DP was found in more affluent regions when compared to poorer regions: East and North-East (OR 1.71 to 1.81 and 1.69 to 2.23, respectively). Higher adherence to 'Traditional Polish' DP was found in 4 out of 5 regions (OR 2.02 to 2.53) when compared to the East. Higher family SES was associated with higher adherence to 'Fruit and vegetables' DP (OR 2.06) and lower adherence to 'Traditional Polish' DP (OR 0.27). Conclusions The study revealed that region's affluence is strongly reflected in dietary behaviours of young females from a transitioning country. Recognising geographical distribution of dietary patterns within the country and shifting the resources to economically disadvantaged regions might be more effective than current national public health interventions.