Associations of Sociodemographic Characteristics with Food Choice Motives’ Importance Among Mexican Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Several studies have explored food choice motives (FCMs), but their association with sociodemographic characteristics remains under-researched. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional associations between sociodemographic factors and FCMs in a sample of Mexican adults. Sociodemographic data...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Miguel Amaury Salas-García, María Fernanda Bernal-Orozco, Andrés Díaz-López, Alejandra Betancourt-Núñez, Pablo Alejandro Nava-Amante, Barbara Vizmanos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/2/158
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Several studies have explored food choice motives (FCMs), but their association with sociodemographic characteristics remains under-researched. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional associations between sociodemographic factors and FCMs in a sample of Mexican adults. Sociodemographic data and eight FCMs’ importance (health and natural content, mood, convenience, sensory appeal, price, food identity, image, and environmental concern) measured with a 75-item Updated Food Choice Questionnaire were studied in 786 participants (70% women, mean age: 24.7 years). The adjusted estimates from multivariable linear regressions are reported. Higher relative importance of convenience, price, and image management (all, <i>p</i> < 0.05) were associated with men. Older participants (≥41 years) showed greater concern for environmental and wildlife awareness (EWA) (<i>p</i> = 0.04). Higher education was associated with higher appreciation of health and natural content and EWA (both, <i>p</i> < 0.05), and less of sensory appeal and mood (both, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Individuals in a relationship placed less importance on sensory appeal compared to singles (<i>p</i> = 0.008). Middle–low socioeconomic status was linked to higher importance of food identity (<i>p</i> = 0.039), while food insecurity was associated with higher concern for price and food identity (both, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Our findings highlight the influence of sociodemographic factors on FCMs that might act as barriers or drivers for adopting healthy diets.
ISSN:2304-8158