Singaporeans may recognize the link between what they eat and health issues, yet failing to take necessary actions – for instance, 43 per cent rarely or never avoid high cholesterol foods – and their wellbeing.

In this cross-sectional survey of 2079 Singapore residents using a food frequency questionnaire, they were asked to rate their consumption of processed food groups based on sociodemographic variables.

Ethnicity

Singaporeans consume on average 10 979 kJ/d (2624 kcal/day). Many dine out weekly and order large portion sizes; this can lead to increased energy intake and an increased risk of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

A survey discovered that consumption of processed food differed depending on sociodemographic and ethnic factors, including housing type. Children living in private housing – an indicator of SES – consumed more dairy and nuts & seeds processed food than their counterparts living in HDB housing.

Singapore primary school children often eat diets low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains while high in sodium and added sugars. Understanding social influences on their dietary patterns could assist health promotion programs in creating age and culture-appropriate interventions to bring about sustained behavioral change.

Age

Although restaurants increasingly bring their offerings directly to people’s homes with delivery or takeout options, Singaporeans still enjoy dining out at physical restaurants for both socializing and enjoying a hearty meal.

Multiethnic city-state of Singapore is home to Asia’s second-fastest aging population and compromised nutrition has been associated with adverse clinical and functional outcomes, including physical frailty, higher mortality rates and longer inpatient days (Reference). This research study sought to understand nutrition knowledge, competency and attitudes of community-dwelling older adults while also exploring which factors affect processed food group consumption; using a nationally representative cross-sectional survey with participants providing verbal informed consent forms prior to participation.

Gender

Singapore market is home to diverse cultures, leading to the proliferation of many multi-cuisine restaurants. Over half of Singaporeans dine out weekly while 24% dine daily – this current trend can largely be attributed to Singaporeans’ fast-paced lifestyles.

Diets of primary school children provide an important window into future health habits and eating behaviors, so this study investigated their socio-ecological influences through focus group discussions (FGD).

Results revealed that processed food consumption was affected to various degrees by gender, age and ethnicity factors. This provides an important basis for future research on dietary patterns in Singapore; its insights could aid development of targeted culturally appropriate interventions to support sustainable behavioural change.

Income

While most Singaporeans understand that what they eat has an effect on their health, many aren’t taking steps to change it. For instance, they often consume foods high in sodium and sugar. Furthermore, they often opt for fast food over healthy alternatives.

Researchers conducted this research using a food frequency questionnaire. Their researchers discovered that Singaporeans’ eating habits varied depending on socio-demographic factors as well as ethnicity when it came to processed food consumption and fast food/processed meat intake.

Additionally, higher maternal education levels were linked with healthier eating patterns among preschool children in Singapore. These findings can assist nutrition promotion programmes designed specifically for this age group in Singapore to lead to improved diet outcomes and reduced risks of non-communicable diseases in this population.

Diet

With the increasing availability of ready-to-eat food, many people are opting for more processed and calorically dense meals that contribute to higher energy intake, potentially leading to obesity. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to gain insight into energy density and nutritional content of local ethnic cuisines.

Etiqa conducted this cross-sectional survey among 2079 Singapore residents to assess their consumption of 12 processed food groups, such as dairy products and nuts and seeds. Results demonstrated that consumption varied depending on sociodemographic factors – those living in private housing with higher socioeconomic status (SES) consumed more of these two food groups compared to those residing in public housing.

The survey also revealed that 59% of Singaporeans are willing to consume packaged or canned foods that have already expired, suggesting an uninformed ignorance regarding potential health hazards associated with doing so.