REALIZATION OF DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE WARSAW POL-MONICA POPULATION - INFLUENCE OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS

In a random sample of men (n=1265) and women (n=1306) aged 35-64 years from the population of Warsaw, an analysis was performed of the relat ionship between (a) sociodemographic and economic factors, the reporte d consumption of a specially selected diet, and knowledge of nutrition al principles and (b) the degree of realization of nutritional norms a s recommended in the atherosclerosis prevention programme. A special q uestionnaire for the analysis of sociodemographic variables and the 24 -h dietary recall method were applied. Regression analysis showed that in the male and female groups all of these variables explained 5.4% a nd 4.6%, respectively, of the variability in the energy value, 2.3% an d 4.9% of energy obtained from fats, 2.2% and 2.4% of cholesterol cons umption, and 5.7% and 3.4% of sodium intake in the daily food ration. In both sexes higher educational level and income group and work in ga inful occupation were associated with a higher caloric value of the fo od ration, a higher fat content (both total and saturated), a higher c holesterol content, and a higher Keys score. Better knowledge of nutri tional principles and correct dietary preferences, adherence to a spec ial diet, and change of dietary habits for health reasons had a benefi cial effect on diet composition, reducing the content of the above-men tioned nutrients. Despite this, the quality, of the average diet fell below expectations, since its composition was far from the nutritional goals for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.