Authors : P.H.G.J. De Silva, W.M.C.B. Weerasinghe and Thakshala Seresinhe
Abstract: Once food choices are shaped by individual, societal and cultural factors. Pre tested food frequency questionnaire which consisted of 30 food items was used to evaluate the habitual food intake pattern of the 160 households over 7 days. Women consume significantly more cereals (r = 0.229, p = 0.005), fruits (r = 0.193, p = 0.018) and vegetables (r = 0.221, p = 0.007) than men. Across age groups, those ages above 35 significantly consume more fruits (r = 0.066, p = 0.021) and vegetables (r = 0.018, p = 0.015) than younger counterparts. The higher income groups significantly consuming more fruits (r = 0.381, p = 0.000), vegetables (r = 0.739, p = 0.000), dairy (r = 0.197, p = 0.016) and meat (r = 0.475, p = 0.000). Socio demographic profiles including age, income, family size, education, gender and geographic region were responsible for habitual food intake patterns. Support from this study nutritional program should be concern about the implications to raise their eating habits.
P.H.G.J. De Silva, W.M.C.B. Weerasinghe and Thakshala Seresinhe, 2011. Socio-Demographic Determinants of Perceived Influences on Household Food Choice in Galle, Kalutara, Matara and Moneragala Districts. Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 8: 142-145.