Differences in the Associations Between Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors with Dietary Patterns in Mexican Men and Women.

Abstract

Background. Diet is one of the leading risk factors for developing non-communicable diseases and is related to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including sex. We aimed to investigate the associated factors of dietary patterns among adults living in Mexico City by sex. Methods. We used data from a city-wide representative survey conducted between May and June 2015 in Mexico City (n=1,142). Self-reported information about sociodemographic and lifestyle variables was collected. Dietary information was collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were constructed by cluster analysis. We used sex-specific multivariable multinomial logistic models to assess the association of demographic and lifestyle factors with dietary patterns using. Results. Three dietary patterns were identified: basic, prudent and fast food. Among men and women, higher school attainment was associated with a lower relative probability of having a basic rather than prudent dietary pattern (women: RRR= 0.8, 95% CI: 0.8, 0.9; men: RRR= 0.8, 95% CI:0.7, 0.9). Compared to single men, divorced or separated men (RRR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.3, 11.2) and those living with a partner (RRR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.0) had a higher relative probability of consuming a fast food dietary pattern than the prudent one. Men living with a partner (RRR=3.0, 95% CI:1.1, 8.6) or working long shifts (RRR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.3, 11.1) had a higher probability of consuming a basic pattern rather than a prudent one compared to peers. Conclusion. Differences by sex in the associations between sociodemographic factors and dietary patterns may be due to gender roles. Public policies and programs should consider the gender perspective to accomplish positive results in both men and women.