Trends in lifestyle 1986-99 in a 25- to 64-year-old population of the Northern Sweden MONICA project

Abstract

Aims: The authors explore the time trends in lifestyle factors in the Northern Sweden MONICA population, including physical activity, intake of certain foods, coffee and alcohol consumption, smoking, and the use of smokeless tobacco.

Methods: Four health surveys during a 14-year time span were compared (1986, 1990, 1994, and 1999). The participation rate in all surveys was high. A questionnaire with similar or comparable questions about lifestyle factors was used across all health surveys.

Results: A large variation was demonstrated in the consumption of saturated fat in dairy products across the surveys. The use of butter on bread and of 3% fat milk clearly declined in favour of using low-fat margarine and 1-1.5% fat milk. A decline in the intake of boiled or baked potatoes together with an increase in the intake of pasta and rice was demonstrated. There were no changes in leisure-time physical activity. The proportion of the population using tobacco was unaltered. In men, smoking declined during the period but simultaneously there was an increase in the use of smokeless tobacco. The use of "boiled" or Scandinavian coffee diminished and more frequent use of alcohol was seen, especially in men.

Conclusion: Pronounced changes were seen in food consumption with a decrease in saturated fat intake, boiled coffee, and potatoes and an increase in alcohol, rice, and pasta consumption. No clear time trends were found in physical activity or in the use of tobacco.