Margareta Wandel

Environmental concern in consumer evaluation of food quality

Abstract Three food groups, which are central in the Norwegian diet, were chosen for investigation of consumer valuation of quality: fruits and vegetables, potatoes, and meat. Most consumers prioritize freshness, taste and nutritional value. Those consumers who gave priority to environmental aspects were least satisfied with the quality of these products. A further investigation of consumer relationship to environmental aspects of food was made through analyses of the characteristics of consumers who 1) put priority on environmental aspects in their quality valuation of food, 2) are willing to pay an extra price for foods produced in an environmentally sound manner, and 3) buy these products today. The results showed that women are more likely to prioritize environmental aspects in their quality evaluation of food, and they are more likely to buy these products, than men. People in the highest educational group were also more likely to put priority on environmentally sound production. There were geographical differences; people living in Oslo and Northern Norway were least likely to put priority on ecological production. There was no independent effect of income, occupation or age. However, the reasons for buying foods from environmentally sound production were different in the various age groups. The youngest age group based their buying behavior on the considerations for the environment and animal welfare, whereas consideration for own health was the most prominent reason in the oldest age group. The results indicate that many consumers are interested in foods produced in an ecologically sound manner, but they are not willing to pay the present high prices for these products.

Food system orientation and quality perception among consumers and producers of organic food in Hedmark County, Norway

Abstract To explore the potentials of organic agriculture, it is important to know how consumers, as well as producers, relate to food quality and food system issues. A consumer survey from the Hamar region in Southern Norway provided information on a number of these issues, and a rapid food system appraisal and a seminar revealed concerns among organic farmers in the region. Multivariate analyses showed that traditional food quality aspects such as freshness and taste, called “observation traits,” were important to all consumers. In addition, those who purchased organic foods were more concerned about ethical, environmental, and health issues, called “reflection traits”. Three consumer orientations in the food market were identified. Consumers with a “practical” orientation were less likely, and those with a “local” orientation in the food market were more likely, to buy organic food, while “social” considerations were equally important to all. The results indicate that many interests of organic farmers coincide with concerns among those who buy organic food, and that these are more complex than the formal rules for organic agriculture. This may provide a basis for identifying common goals and improving communication and cooperation between consumers and producers in order to further develop the organic food system. [Note that organic agriculture is called “ecological agriculture” in the Nordic Region.]

Ethnic differences in obesity among immigrants from developing countries, in Oslo, Norway

Objectives:To compare ethnic and gender differences in generalized and central obesity and to investigate whether these differences persisted after adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors.Design:In 2002, the population-based cross-sectional, Oslo Immigrant Health study was conducted.Subjects:A total of 7890 Oslo residents, born between 1942 and 1971 in Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, were invited and 3019 attended.Measurements:Participants completed a health questionnaire and attended a clinical screening that included height, weight, waist and hip measurements.Results:Generalized obesity (BMI⩾30 kg/m2) was greatest among women from Turkey (51.0%) and least among men from Vietnam (2.7%). The highest proportions of central obesity (waist hip ratio (WHR)⩾0.85) were observed among women from Sri Lanka (54.3%) and Pakistan (52.4%). For any given value of BMI, Sri Lankans and Pakistanis had higher WHR compared to the other groups. Despite a high mean BMI, Turkish men (27.9 kg/m2) and women (30.7 kg/m2) did not have a corresponding high WHR. Ethnic differences in BMI, waist circumference and WHR persisted despite adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors.Conclusion:We found large differences in generalized and central obesity between immigrant groups from developing countries. Our data find high proportions of overweight and obese subjects from Pakistan and Turkey, but low proportions among those from Vietnam. Subjects from Sri Lanka and Pakistan had the highest WHR for any given value of BMI. Our findings, in light of the burgeoning obesity epidemic, warrant close monitoring of these groups.

Changes in food habits after migration among South Asians settled in Oslo: the effect of demographic, socio-economic and integration factors.

The aim is to explore changes in food habits after migration, and the resultant present food consumption patterns, as well as the effect of demographic, socio-economic and integration factors on these changes. Analyses were based on data collected through the Oslo Immigrant Health study, from 629 persons 30-60 years of age, born in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and living in Oslo, Norway. A majority of the Sri Lankans reported increase in the consumption of meat, milk, butter, margarine and potatoes. Around half of those from Pakistan reported increased consumption of oil, meat, fish and potatoes. Both groups reported a decrease in bean and lentil consumption. Multivariate regression showed that age was negatively related to increases in butter and margarine consumption, and a good command of the Norwegian language reduced the likelihood of increased consumption of oil and butter. The likelihood of having present fat and sugar rich food patterns were reduced with age and years of education, whereas scoring high on an index of integration increased the likelihood of a fat rich food pattern. In conclusion, a number of demographic and socio-cultural factors may modify the changes in food habits after migration. Some of these may have substantial health implications.

Food labelling from a consumer perspective

Posits that food labelling is one medium by which consumers can acquire knowledge about the food they consider buying. This type of information is becoming increasingly important in a food market where direct contact with the personnel over the counter is declining. Reports the results from a pilot study and a consumer survey including 1050 respondents. Reveals that the majority of consumers read the food labels (often, sometimes or seldom), and that the reading frequency was associated with the degree of uncertainty about the food supply. Additives occupied a far more prominent place in these reading activities, than what could be expected from the respondents’ general notions of what constitutes a healthy diet. Discusses these results with regard to consumer apprehension of the presentation of data on the food labels.

Changes in Food Habits among Pakistani Immigrant Women in Oslo, Norway

Objective South Asians are generally known to have high prevalence of diabetes type 2 and coronary heart diseases. The Pakistani immigrant group in Norway constitute a high-risk subgroup of the population that needs a selective prevention approach. The main objective of this study was to provide information on dietary change and factors leading to these changes in Pakistani women after migration from Punjab, Pakistan to Oslo, Norway. Such information is important in designing appropriate strategies for dietary counselling. Design Twenty-five Pakistani immigrant women, recruited through the Oslo Health Study 2000–2001, participated in focus group interviews. Each group met four times, aided by a moderator and professional interpreters. A model developed by Koctürk was tested for its usefulness in analysing the dietary changes. PRECEDE was used to organise and structure the factors that were found to cause the changes. Results According to the women, life in Norway has led to several changes in meal pattern, meal composition and intake of different foods. In accordance with the Koctürk model, the cultural importance of breakfast and lunch has diminished, and dinner has become the most important meal. Meals on weekends tend to be more traditional than on working days. The study gives limited support to the hypothesis that changes occur predominantly among the accessory foods and least among staples. The focus group interviews revealed a rich variety of factors influencing dietary change: health aspects, childrens preferences, work schedules, social relations, stress, traditional beliefs, climate, season and access of foods. Conclusion To develop effective intervention strategies, it is vital to understand both how changes do occur and how different factors influence dietary habits. The Koctürk model was useful to structure the various foods and changes that may occur. Strategies for dietary counselling should not only include dietary advice but also focus on the multitude of factors causing dietary changes.

Changes in dietary habits after migration and consequences for health: a focus on South Asians in Europe

Background Immigrants from low-income countries comprise an increasing proportion of the population in Europe. Higher prevalence of obesity and nutrition related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is found in some immigrant groups, especially in South Asians. Aim To review dietary changes after migration and discuss the implication for health and prevention among immigrants from low-income countries to Europe, with a special focus on South Asians. Method Systematic searches in PubMed were performed to identify relevant high quality review articles and primary research papers. The searches were limited to major immigrant groups in Europe, including those from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka). Articles in English from 1990 and onwards from Europe were included. For health implications, recent review articles and studies of particular relevance to dietary changes among South Asian migrants in Europe were chosen. Results Most studies report on dietary changes and health consequences in South Asians. The picture of dietary change is complex, depending on a variety of factors related to country of origin, urban/rural residence, socio-economic and cultural factors and situation in host country. However, the main dietary trend after migration is a substantial increase in energy and fat intake, a reduction in carbohydrates and a switch from whole grains and pulses to more refined sources of carbohydrates, resulting in a low intake of fiber. The data also indicate an increase in intake of meat and dairy foods. Some groups have also reduced their vegetable intake. The findings suggest that these dietary changes may all have contributed to higher risk of obesity, T2D and CVD. Implications for prevention A first priority in prevention should be adoption of a low-energy density – high fiber diet, rich in whole grains and grain products, as well as fruits, vegetables and pulses. Furthermore, avoidance of energy dense and hyperprocessed foods is an important preventive measure.

Ethnic differences in body mass index and associated factors of adolescents from minorities in Oslo, Norway: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES To examine ethnic differences in body mass index (BMI), food habits and physical activity, and determine the factors contributing to differences in BMI. DESIGN AND METHOD In 2000-2001, 7343 (response rate 88%) 15- and 16-year-old students, enrolled in lower secondary schools in Oslo, participated in the cross-sectional Oslo Health Study. Of these participants, 1719 were defined as ethnic minorities. RESULTS Significant gender and ethnic differences in mean BMI were observed. Of the ethnic minority adolescents, 5.8% were underweight (<5th percentile of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference distribution) and 9.1% were overweight (>85th percentile of the US CDC/NCHS reference distribution). BMI was not significantly associated with either socio-economic factors or physical activity. Food habits and physical activity differed with ethnicity but not with socio-economic factors. An ordinal regression showed that girls from East Asia (odds ratio (OR) 0.4) and boys from sub-Saharan Africa (OR 0.4) had lower BMI than the Western group. Among girls, higher BMI was associated with less frequent consumption of chocolates and sweets, full-fat milk and breakfast (OR 2.4, 1.7 and 1.7, respectively). Higher BMI, for both boys and girls, was associated with current and past dieting (OR 3.7 and 4.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent food habits and physical activity varied by gender and ethnicity but not with socio-economic factors. BMI was associated with ethnicity, gender and food habits, but no significant relationship was observed with socio-economic factors or physical activity. Ethnicity, in addition to gender, should be taken into consideration when studying BMI and associated factors among adolescents.

Understanding Consumer Concern about Food‐related Health Risks

Reports from different countries have revealed that consumers are becoming increasingly concerned that the food they eat could be harmful to health. The concern regards both the composition of the diet and the possibilities that the food may contain a number of contaminating substances. Discusses the results from some recent empirical studies in the light of the more theoretical work in this area of research. The aim is to bring out some salient features which may be important to those who communicate with the public about food‐related risks, as well as for further research in this field.

Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables in Norway: Influence of life phase and socio-economic factors

The aim of the study was to contribute to a better understanding of factors influencing the consumption of fruits, vegetables and potatoes among consumers in Norway. It is built on data from two consumer surveys; one including 1103 persons and the other including 13,857 persons. The data indicate that a considerable proportion of the consumers had a very low frequency of consumption when compared to present recommendations of intake; 31% consumed vegetables, and 24% fruits twice a week or less. Data from multivariate analyses (logistic regression) showed that age, sex, income and household structure were important determinants for the consumption of fruits. These factors, as well as education and place of living were important determinants of the consumption of vegetables and potatoes. Consumers who were very interested in health issues, were more likely to have a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, whereas those who had a preference for quickly prepared food tended to have a low consumption of vegetables. These results are discussed in relation to the consumers own perception of important limitations for consumption of these products.