Perceptions on changes towards plant-based diets for health and environmental benefits: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To assess perspectives on transitioning towards more plant-based diets for health and environment in the Icelandic population.

Methods: Online questions to a country representative panel (N=2452; >18 years): (1) transition towards more plant-based personal diets for health and the environment, (2) inclusion of education on plant-based diets in preschool and elementary school curricula and (3) supporting farmers for production of more plant foods. Differences between answers according to demographics were tested by χ² test.

Results: (1) 37% of respondents were positive towards personal diet transition, 33% were negative, (2) 51% were positive towards education about plant-based diets in preschools and elementary schools, 14% negative, (3) 73% were positive towards supporting farmers to increase production of plant foods, 5% negative. Women, those living in the capital area and those with university education were more positive to the changes than men, people living outside the capital area and people with lower educational level, respectively (p<0.01).

Conclusions: More than one-third of adult Icelanders had positive perspectives to transitions towards more plant-based personal diets, and a majority supported incorporation of education on plant-based diets, health and environment in schools. The strongest agreement was found for support to farmers to produce more varied plant-based foods.

Keywords: Dietary patterns.

Figure 1. A flow diagram of participant enrolment into the study.

Figure 2. Percentage of participants providing positive, neutral or negative perspectives to the questions on (1) transitioning towards a more plant-based personal diet; (2) inclusion of plant-based diet into preschool and elementary school curricula and (3) support to farmers for production of more plant foods.