European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2006) 60, 828–837. 

Public views of the benefits and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based
diet
E J Lea, D Crawford, and A Worsley

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine consumers' perceived benefits
and barriers to the consumption of a plant-based diet.

Design: Mail survey that included questions on perceived benefits and barriers
to the consumption of a plant-based diet.

Setting: Victoria, Australia.

Subjects: Four hundred and fifteen randomly selected Victorian adults.

Results: The main perceived barrier to adoption of a plant-based diet was a
lack of information about plant-based diets (42% agreement). Sex, age and
education differences were present in over a quarter of the barrier items. For
example, non-university-educated respondents and older people were less willing
to change their current eating pattern than were university educated and
younger respondents. The main benefits associated with plant-based diets were
health benefits, particularly decreased saturated fat intake (79% agreement),
increased fibre intake (76%), and disease prevention (70%). Age, sex and
education differences with regard to benefits were apparent, although sex
differences were more important than age or education differences.

Conclusions: The majority of respondents perceived there to be health benefits
associated with the consumption of a plant-based diet. Compared with the
proportion of respondents who agreed that there were particular benefits of
eating a plant-based diet, perceived barriers were relatively low. An
understanding of the perceived benefits and barriers of consuming a plant-based
diet will help formulate strategies that aim to influence beliefs about plant
foods, plant food consumption, and, ultimately, public health.

Sponsorship: Australian Research Council.

Abstract URL:
http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v60/n7/abs/1602387a.html

Tom Billings