Public Awareness of Diet-Related Diseases and Dietary Risk Factors: A 2022 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey among Adults in Poland

Abstract

A suboptimal diet is a risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge on diet-related diseases and dietary risk factors among adults in Poland as well as to identify factors associated with awareness of diet-related diseases and dietary risk factors. This cross-sectional survey was carried out in July 2022 on a representative sample of adults in Poland. Data were received from 1070 individuals (53.3% females) aged 18–89 years. Out of eight diet-related diseases included in this study, overweight/obesity was the most recognized diet-related disease (85.0%). Stroke (26.2%) and osteoporosis (17.9%) were the least recognized diet-related diseases. Out of eight dietary risk factors included in this study, excessive consumption of sugar and salt (73.4%) was the most recognized dietary risk factor. Less than half of the respondents were aware that (1) too little vitamin intake, (2) too little intake of calcium and magnesium, (3) too little consumption of fish and oils, and (4) too little dietary fiber intake can lead to the development of the diseases. Having higher education and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors associated with a higher level of awareness of diet-related diseases and dietary risk factors (p < 0.05).