Perceções, barreiras e comportamentos alimentares saudáveis e sustentáveis da comunidade académica da Universidade do Porto

Abstract

Background: Climate change is a reality that has serious, complex and interconnected consequences in the various environmental, social, economic and health dimensions. The food system contributes to climate change, but also suffers its consequences. The sustainable transformation of food systems is urgent and involves consumers. However, scientific evidence about consumers' perspectives is still scarce. The academic community is an interesting population because it integrates individuals with distinct characteristics, that can be the target of actions and a starting point for future investigations in other populations. Objectives: To describe and characterize healthy and sustainable eating perceptions, barriers and behaviours of the academic community of the University of Porto and possible areas for future action. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was developed. An online questionnaire was built and all members of the academic community were invited to voluntarily answer it between December 2020 and March 2021. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out. To reduce the size of the data, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed and associations between the dimensions and the behaviour variables were observed through ordinal regression. Results: The sample was mostly female (75.8%), aged under 25 (52.3%) and student (69.8%). The perception of the concept of sustainability (Med = 8, 7-8) and human responsibility for climate change was high (Med = 9, 9-10) and they were willing to change (Med = 9, 8-10). Food waste was the behaviour perceived as having the greatest environmental impact (Med = 9, 8-10). Taste was the most important purchase factor (Med = 9, 8-10), the biggest barrier to the practice of a sustainable diet was price (Med = 7, 5-8) and enjoying eating meat was the most important barrier to reduce its consumption (Med = 7, 4-9). The PCA resulted in three major dimensions named "Perceptions of environmental impacts and human responsibility", "Barriers" and "Perceptions of sustainability". Women (M = 51,29, DP = 9,10, p<,001), who participated in environmental protection activities (M = 53,31, DP = 8,45, p = ,004), those under the age of 25 (M = 50,83, DP = 10,10, p = ,028), who had a meat-free diet (M = 57,11, DP = 7,36, p<,001) and when they themselves prepared and cooked food (M = 50,66, DP = 9,57, p = ,040) had more perceptions of environmental impacts and human responsibility. Those who did not participate in environmental protection activities (M = 50,56, DP = 9,74, p = ,010), were under 25 years old (M = 50,95, DP = 10,85, p = ,036), had a "Low" income perception (M = 52,00, DP = 8,87, p = ,009), practiced an omnivorous diet (M = 52,35, DP = 8,80, p<,001) and those who left the purchase (M = 51,35, DP = 10,36, p = ,041), preparation and cooking of meals to their parents (M = 52,65, DP = 9,54, p<,001) had more barriers. Those who participated in environmental protection activities (M = 52,26, DP = 8,30, p = ,047), were at least 55 years old (M = 55,16, DP = 8,51, p<,001), had a doctorate degree (M = 54,80, DP = 8,61, p<,001), were teachers (M = 55,40, DP = 8,99, p<,001), perceived their income as "Reasonable" (M = 50,77, DP = 9,71, p = ,019) and who acquired (M = 51,68, DP = 9,65, p<,001), prepared and cooked their own meals (M = 51,31, DP = 9,77, p = ,004) had greater perceptions of sustainability. In general, having more perceptions increased the probability of having sustainable behaviours, and the opposite was true for barriers. Conclusion: This sample from the academic community of the University of Porto had a high perception of sustainability and was motivated to change. Environmental factors are not very important when shopping for food. It was evident that, in general, those who have greater perceptions of environmental impacts and sustainability and fewer barriers also have more sustainable eating behaviours. Educational and consumer awareness initiatives have the potential to change habits and should focus on men, young people, households, less educated and with lower income. The role of governments is also essential through systemic changes like legislation and subsidies that contribute to diminishing barriers.