Title: Social, behavioural and other determinants of the choice of diet | Health Knowledge
Headings: Social, behavioural and other determinants of the choice of diet
Social, behavioural and other determinants of the choice of diet
Health and Social Behaviour: Social, behavioural and other determinants of the choice of diet
1. Biological determinants such as hunger, appetite, and taste
Hunger and satiety
Taste/Palatability
2. Economic determinants such as cost and income
Cost and income
3. Physical determinants such as access, education, skills and time
Accessibility and availability
Education and knowledge, and skills
Time constraints
4. Social determinants such as social class, culture, and social context
Social class/socioeconomic
Cultural influences
Social Context
5. Psychological determinants such as mood, stress and guilt
Stress
Mood
6. Attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about food, and optimistic bias
Attitudes and beliefs
Optimistic bias
References

Content: Physical determinants such as access, education, skills and time
Accessibility and availability
Accessibility to shops and the availability of foods within shops influence food choice. This is associated with transport links and geographical locations. For example, ‘food deserts’ are areas of resistance with few or no shopping
facilities. Improving access does not necessarily mean that individuals will change their food choice. Education and knowledge, and skills
Individuals that are educated and knowledgeable about ‘healthy eating’ are more likely to opt for healthy dietary choices. This, however, depends on whether the individual is able to apply their knowledge. Educating the population requires
accurate and consistent messages. Education on how to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in an affordable way such that no further expense, in money or effort, is incurred may be beneficial for influencing food choices. In addition, a lack of
knowledge and the loss of cooking skills can also inhibit buying and preparing meals from basic ingredients. Time constraints
Time constraints will prevent individuals from adopting healthy choices especially the young and those that live alone who choose convenience foods.