A survey of household food purchases and dietary habits in relation to affluence among Singapore Chinese
Gourley, L.; Duffy, S.W.; Lee, H.P.; Walker, A.M.; Day, N.E.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 42(4): 333-343
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-3007 PMID: 3396524 Document Number: 323371
A survey of 40 Singapore Chinese households was made, obtaining information on major perishable foods purchased for home consumption in the previous week, extent of home consumption (eating in), household dietary habits and housing type, the last as a measure of affluence. Eating out was very common: 9 households ate less than 50% of meals at home. Excluding those 9 households, consumption and habits were compared between more affluent and less affluent households. The more affluent households purchased more red meat/offal, poultry, vegetables other than green leafy, fruit and eggs; they also differed significantly in various dietary habits. Significant differences were also observed between English-speaking and Chinese-speaking households. The results suggest that increasing affluence may have brought about substantial dietary change in Singapore, thus meriting further study of the role of diet in changing disease patterns in Singapore.