Plant-based diets among socioeconomic groups of different income levels in Riobamba
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Abstract
Plant-based diets have gained recognition as a healthy and environmentally sustainable alternative; however, their implementation may be conditioned by socioeconomic factors that may be specific to the region studied. Therefore, the objective of the research is to analyze the degree of adoption of plant-based diets among socioeconomic groups of different income levels in the city of Riobamba, Ecuador, including factors such as economic barriers, and health/environmental/ethical motivations. A representative sample of the adult population (≥18 years, N=193315) classified by socioeconomic strata (n=300) was studied, recording data of interest through a questionnaire of indicators directly related to the research. The high stratum manifested to follow a predominantly plant-based diet (41 %) compared to the rest (Medium: 26 %; Low: 12 %), while there are economic barriers in the low (78 %) and medium (55 %) stratum, being the most remarkable differences (H=28.45). Health-related motivations for plant consumption were mostly present in the high stratum (66 %), as were environmental and ethical motivations (45 %). The higher the perception of economic barriers, the lower the adoption of plant-based diets (ρ=-0.85), while there is a strong positive correlation with personal motivations (health and ethics), with health (ρ=+0.74) and with environmental/ethical motivation (ρ=+0.78). It is concluded that socioeconomic level directly influences the sustainability of plant-based diets in Riobamba. The formulation of public policies that promote equitable access to this type of diet is recommended.
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