INFLUENCE OF GENDER AND SOCIOECONOMIC-STATUS ON DIETARY PATTERNS AND NUTRIENT INTAKES IN 18-YEAR-OLD AUSTRALIANS

This study used two-day diet records to examine dietary behaviours in 504 Australian f8 year-olds in relation to gender, socio-economic stat us (SES) and national dietary guidelines. Fat intake exceeded 30% of e nergy in about 80% of subjects and was greater than 40% in about one-q uarter. Saturated fat provided more than 10% of dietary energy in more than 90% of participants; less than 1% achieved a polyunsaturated to saturated fat ratio of at least one. The major food groups contributin g to fat intake were convenience foods (32% in men, 28% in women) and meat (27% in men, 25% in women). Fibre intake was less than 30 g/day i n 93% of women and 77% of men. Intakes of calcium, magnesium, potassiu m, and vitamins C and A, as a ratio of energy consumption, were greate r in women than men, while sodium intake was significantly higher in m en. Convenience foods were the greatest contributors to sodium intake (27% in men, 22% in women) followed by meat, bread, and soups and sauc es. Greater consumption of cereals, fruit, vegetables and low-fat food s in young women of higher SES was reflected in their nutrient profile with higher intake of fibre and vitamin C and lower intake of fat. Me n ate more cereals, meat and sugary foods and less fruit, vegetables a nd low-fat foods. Only 2.5% of men and 4.1% of women conformed with th e health promotion message, widely publicised locally, to eat two frui ts and five vegetables daily. Not eating breakfast was associated with lower calcium intake in men and women, and lower iron and fibre intak e in women. Achieving behavioural changes in young adults must take in to account differences in dietary behaviour related to gender and SES.