Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective This study aimed to determine the explanatory role of nutrition knowledge and food preference on sustainable and healthy eating behaviors in adults, and to examine differences according to sociodemographic variables. Methods This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 231 adults aged 18–65 years who applied to a university hospital wellness center. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adult Nutrition Knowledge and Attitude Assessment Scale and the Sustainable Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale. Chi-square test, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman correlation analysis, and hierarchical linear regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. Results Of the participants, 53.7% were female with a mean age of 26.70 ± 7.14 years. SHEBS scores increased significantly as nutrition knowledge levels improved (p = 0.002). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that adding food preference to the model increased its explanatory power (Adjusted R²=0.129, p < 0.001). Women scored significantly higher than men in food preference (p = 0.001), seasonal food consumption (p = 0.011), and reduced meat consumption (p = 0.030) subscales. The local/organic food subscale showed a positive effect on nutrition knowledge (β = 0.245), while the local food subscale showed a negative effect on both nutrition knowledge (β=-0.182) and food preference (β=-0.160). Conclusion Nutrition knowledge and food preference were significantly associated with sustainable and healthy eating behaviors. These findings suggest that intervention programs promoting sustainable nutrition may benefit from incorporating attitude- and value-based approaches alongside knowledge transfer.
Source: Research Square
Authors: Meryem Özdemir Petek, Deniz MIHÇIOĞLU
Institution: Sanko University
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7165178697