scholarly journals The cognitive contexts of beliefs about the healthiness of meat

2002 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Lea ◽  
Anthony Worsley

AbstractObjective:The overall aim of this study was to examine a variety of belief and demographic factors that are associated with the perception that meat is intrinsically unhealthy.Design:State-wide survey (written questionnaire) that included questions on meat and nutrition beliefs, perceived barriers and benefits of vegetarian diets, personal values, number of vegetarian friends and family members, and use and trust of health/nutrition/food information sources.Setting:South Australia.Subjects:Six hundred and one randomly selected South Australians and 106 non-randomly selected vegetarians and semi-vegetarians.Results:For all respondents considered as a group, the most important predictors of the belief that meat is intrinsically unhealthy were the perceived benefits of vegetarian diets (all positive predictors). These included: (1) the perceived links between vegetarianism, peace and increased contentment; (2) animal welfare and environmental benefits; and (3) health benefits. There were differences between different dietary groups however. For non-vegetarians, social concerns about vegetarianism (positive) were most important, followed by health and non-health benefits (positive) of vegetarianism. Red meat appreciation was the strongest (positive) predictor for vegetarians, with health benefits of vegetarianism (positive) and education (negative predictor) also important.Conclusions:The implications of the findings for health and other issues are discussed. Judgements about the healthiness of meat are likely to be related to moral and environmental beliefs and, for non-vegetarians, to social concerns about vegetarianism, in addition to health beliefs. These need to be considered if any attempts are made to influence meat consumption.

Author(s):  
Mairead E. Kiely

In parallel with increased public awareness of the health and environmental benefits of consuming a plant-based diet, the numbers of people who identify as vegan has increased sharply. The question of whether vegetarian and vegan diets are appropriate for children is a longstanding and unresolved controversy. The more restrictive the diet and the younger the child, the greater the risk of nutritional deficiency. Nutrients of potential concern are protein quantity and quality, iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, riboflavin, vitamins A, D, B12 and essential fatty acids. Although intakes and status of some nutrients (e.g. vitamin D and iron) are low in many children, vegan children are particularly susceptible due to inadequate supply and/or excess dietary fibre as well as other components that limit bioavailability. Although position papers from North America state that well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets, supplemented appropriately, are suitable for all life stages, European statements include strong recommendations to parents that vegan diets should not be adopted by children without medical and dietetic supervision. Case histories of malnutrition and serious harm persist, including irreversible neurological damage due to vitamin B12 deficiency among un-supplemented children. The evidence available to evaluate the nutritional appropriateness of vegetarian diets for children is inadequate and dated. Although nutritionally adequate vegetarian diets are more easily achieved, successful provision of a complete vegan diet for a young child requires substantial commitment, expert guidance, planning, resources and supplementation.


2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Marsh ◽  
Carol Zeuschner ◽  
Angela Saunders

There is now a significant amount of research that demonstrates the health benefits of vegetarian and plant-based diets, which have been associated with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer as well as increased longevity. Vegetarian diets are typically lower in fat, particularly saturated fat, and higher in dietary fiber. They are also likely to include more whole grains, legumes, nuts, and soy protein, and together with the absence of red meat, this type of eating plan may provide many benefits for the prevention and treatment of obesity and chronic health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although a well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet can meet all the nutritional needs of an individual, it may be necessary to pay particular attention to some nutrients to ensure an adequate intake, particularly if the person is on a vegan diet. This article will review the evidence for the health benefits of a vegetarian diet and also discuss strategies for meeting the nutritional needs of those following a vegetarian or plant-based eating pattern.


Author(s):  
Yu-Shan Tai ◽  
Hao-Jan Yang

Background: Southeast Asian countries have long been considered epidemic areas for mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs), and most imported cases of infectious diseases in Taiwan are from these areas. Taiwanese migrant workers are mainly of Southeast Asian nationality, and of these, 22% are Filipino. Migrant workers’ knowledge of MBDs and self-protection behaviors are beneficial to disease prevention and treatment. This study aims to understand the effectiveness of a health education intervention (HEI) for Filipino migrant workers in Taiwan and explores the factors affecting preventive practices. Methods: The study was conducted between May to September 2018. Participants were recruited from two Catholic churches in Taichung City. A professional delivered a 30 min HEI in person, and a structured questionnaire was used to acquire and assess participants’ knowledge, health beliefs, and preventive behaviors for MBDs before and after the intervention. Results: A total of 291 participants were recruited. The intervention program showed a positive impact on the migrant worker’s knowledge and the perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and preventive practices. Knowledge, perceived severity, and perceived barriers were factors influencing preventive practices in Filipino migrant workers. Conclusions: The results of this study demonstrated that we can direct our efforts towards three areas: improving foreign migrant workers’ awareness of diseases, emphasizing the severity of the disease, and eliminating possible hindrances in the future. As one example, migrant workers could be proactively provided with routine medical examinations and multilingual health education lectures to improve knowledge and preventive practices to contain the spread MBDs.


2014 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 629-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ifat Zur ◽  
Christian A. Klöckner

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify predictors of meat consumption and the intention to reduce it. Since meat consumption is one of the major contributors to human made environmental destruction including climate change, biodiversity loss or water and air pollution and at the same time under volitional control meat consumption is an interesting target for interventions. Design/methodology/approach – An integrated model was derived from the theory of planned behaviour, the norm activation theory and the protection motivation theory which was tested in a paper-pencil based questionnaire study including self-reported meat consumption was conducted with a convenience sample of 210 adult inhabitants of Trondheim (Norway). Findings – The model was confirmed to a large extent. Meat consumption was predicted strongly by meat eating habits, but also negatively by reduction intentions. Reduction intentions were determined by attitudes, moral beliefs and health beliefs. Moral beliefs were predicted by injunctive and descriptive norms as well as perceived behavioural control. Research limitations/implications – The study was based on a convenience sample, thus the sample is not representative. Furthermore, some of the measurement instruments are of only mediocre quality. Practical implications – The results show that interventions to reduce meat consumption need to include habits braking components to be effective. Meat consumption reduction is motivated by a broad array of motivations, including morality and health. Intervention campaigns need to cover this spectrum. Originality/value – This study is one of the first that systematically analyses determinants of meat consumption which makes it valuable in spite of its limitations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 704-704
Author(s):  
Kristina Arslain ◽  
Pratiksha Baishya ◽  
Christopher Gustafson ◽  
Devin Rose

Abstract Objectives The gluten-free diet (GFD) has been adopted by many people who do not have Celiac disease or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, but no studies examine the relationship of perceived health benefits of, and the sources that recommend trying, the GFD to the decision to follow the diet. Methods We surveyed a large, nationally representative sample of 3051 US residents about their attitudes, perceptions, and experiences with the GFD. Logistic regression was used to compare respondents who had no diagnosed need for a GFD but were currently avoiding or had avoided gluten previously (GF-Consumer) to the consumers that had never tried a GFD. Results Over one-fifth of our respondents were GF-Consumers. Beliefs that “a gluten-reduced diet is healthier for people than a full-gluten containing diet” (OR 1.55; P < 0.01), that “gluten-free products are generally more nutritious than their gluten-containing variant” (OR 1.53; P < 0.01) and that a GFD can help clear acne (OR 1.44; P < 0.01) were all positively associated with trying a GFD. The most influential source that suggested the diet was oneself who learned about a GFD through personal research (OR 3.35; P < 0.01). This was followed by “family member or friend” (OR 2.68; P < 0.01) and “healthcare center or health professional (doctor, dietitian, etc.)” (OR 2.10; P < 0.01). Conclusions Positive, but scientifically unsubstantiated, beliefs about the benefits of the GFD were strongly associated with trying a GF diet. Both conventional and unconventional sources of information about the GFD were positively associated with following the diet. These findings about beliefs and information sources highlight potential barriers to the promotion of scientifically based nutritional recommendations to consumers. Funding Sources University of Nebraska Agricultural Research Division Innovation Fund for Wheat/Cereal Crops.


2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2287-2294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire T McEvoy ◽  
Norman Temple ◽  
Jayne V Woodside

AbstractObjectiveTo review the epidemiological evidence for vegetarian diets, low-meat dietary patterns and their association with health status in adults.DesignPublished literature review focusing primarily on prospective studies and meta-analyses examining the association between vegetarian diets and health outcomes.ResultsBoth vegetarian diets and prudent diets allowing small amounts of red meat are associated with reduced risk of diseases, particularly CHD and type 2 diabetes. There is limited evidence of an association between vegetarian diets and cancer prevention. Evidence linking red meat intake, particularly processed meat, and increased risk of CHD, cancer and type 2 diabetes is convincing and provides indirect support for consumption of a plant-based diet.ConclusionsThe health benefits of vegetarian diets are not unique. Prudent plant-based dietary patterns which also allow small intakes of red meat, fish and dairy products have demonstrated significant improvements in health status as well. At this time an optimal dietary intake for health status is unknown. Plant-based diets contain a host of food and nutrients known to have independent health benefits. While vegetarian diets have not shown any adverse effects on health, restrictive and monotonous vegetarian diets may result in nutrient deficiencies with deleterious effects on health. For this reason, appropriate advice is important to ensure a vegetarian diet is nutritionally adequate especially for vulnerable groups.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adelaide KL Hui

The aims of this secondary analysis were to describe medication taking behaviour and health beliefs among people with mild to moderate CKD, examine differences in health beliefs according to age and gender, and examine relationships between health beliefs and medication taking behaviour. The sample consisted of 30 men and 30 women between19 and 72 years old. Forty-two participants reported they did not miss medication doses, but remembering to take all the pills was the most challenging. Women were more likely to believe their kidney function would improve in the future and to believe treatment would keep them from becoming ill. No statistically significant differences were found in health beliefs by age. Perceived barriers were the strongest indicator of medication taking behaviour. Findings from this study shed light on the complexity of the medication regimen in CKD, and could guide health care providers to better support medication taking behaviour.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Şenay Şermet Kaya ◽  
Yeter Kitiş

Purpose: This descriptive study aimed to assess elderly diabetes patients’ health beliefs about care and treatment for diabetes.Methods: The universe of the study consists of 1176 diabetic patients aged 65 years and over who are registered to eight family health centers affiliated to Mezitli district of Mersin province. In the sample, it was planned to reach the elderly between 165-330. As a result, 280 elders were reached. After obtaining the necessary permissions from the related institutions, data were collected with Descriptive Characteristics Form and HBMS for Diabetes Patients in 2012 and analyzed with nonparametric tests.Results: Of 280 patients, 55.7% were male and 60% were aged 65-69. The median value for HBMS showed that the patients had a negative health belief. The patients with higher education levels and those receiving information about diabetes had higher median of values for both the scale and its subscales, those checking their blood glucose had high median of values for the scale and the subscale perceived benefits and barriers, those complying with nutrition therapy had higher median of values for perceived barriers and recommended health behaviours, those having regular check-ups had higher median of values for perceived barriers and those doing exercise regularly had higher median of values for perceived benefits (p<0.05).Conclusion: Elderly diabetes patients should be offered education about self management and HBMS for Diabetes Patients should be used to determine educational needs and to evaluate effectiveness of education offered to help diabetes patients to develop positive health beliefs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6292
Author(s):  
Klaudia Modlinska ◽  
Dominika Adamczyk ◽  
Dominika Maison ◽  
Wojciech Pisula

Limiting meat consumption has recently become one of the key issues linked to public health and environmental sustainability. This is reflected in the strong emphasis on increasing promotion of plant-based nutritional styles, such as vegan and vegetarian diets. Vegan/vegetarian diets appeal to certain demographic groups more than to others. The most striking difference, however, is found between the sexes. Men and women differ in their preferences for plant products and in their attitudes to meat consumption. There are also differences between their motivations to start and/or follow a vegan/vegetarian diet. Major differences have also been observed in men’s and women’s attitudes towards people following plant-based diets. Vegetarian diets are generally considered to be less masculine than meat-based diets, and omnivores exhibit more prejudice against vegetarian men than women. This study follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) systematic literature review model. The Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched (up to January 2020) to identify studies, which analysed variables directly or indirectly related to inter-sex differences with regard to the vegan/vegetarian diet. After the screening process based on the relevance and quality criteria, 29 articles were included in the study. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness of these gender differences, not only as regards social perceptions, but also in terms of individual attitudes to vegetarian/vegan diets. Ignoring those differences hinders the promotion of plant-based diets and may explain the relatively meager success of previous efforts to promote sustainable nutritional styles.


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