Eating behaviors in individuals over the age of 18 years who applied to a family health center and the associated factors

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to determine the eating behaviors of individuals over the age of 18 years who applied to a family health center as well as the associated factors.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,684 adults aged 18 years who attended two Family Health Centers in Elazığ, Turkey. Participants voluntarily completed a questionnaire, including sociodemographic items and the AEBQ, through face-to-face interviews. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Non-Interventional Clinical Trials. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, were used to examine associations between eating behaviors and sociodemographic and health-related factors.

Results: The participants’ emotional eating (EE) scores were high, whereas the other AEBQ subscale and total scores were moderate. Higher AEBQ scores were observed in individuals aged ≥55 years, married, childless, with higher income, with chronic diseases, or with physical disabilities. Positive correlations were found between age, number of children, chronic disease duration, physical disability duration, BMI, and AEBQ scores.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates significant associations between sociodemographic and health-related factors and EEBs. These findings support the need for further research using the AEBQ and may guide interventions to promote healthier eating habits and improve the health of the population.