A qualitative study of young peoples' thoughts and attitudes to follow a more plant-based diet

Understanding online purchase intention of plant-based foods: Exploring causal factors and moderating role of self-efficacy within the SOR theory

This research explored Thai consumers' online purchase intention for plant-based foods (PBFs), investigating factors shaping this intention and the impact of self-efficacy. Conducting surveys on 402 individuals from Bangkok, Thailand, the study employed structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse relationships among consumer identity, online brand trust, social influence, perceived value, and self-efficacy concerning online purchase intention. Findings revealed significant influences of consumer identity, online brand trust, social influence, and perceived value on online purchase intention, with online brand trust having the most significant direct effect. Additionally, self-efficacy moderated the impact of these factors on online purchase intention. The study's contribution lies in highlighting the role of online brand trust and self-efficacy levels in shaping consumer behaviour, which is crucial for promoting sustainable dietary choices and improving well-being through digital marketing strategies.

Depression, Anxiety, Emotional Eating, and Body Mass Index among Self-Reported Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peruvian Adults

Background: Vegetarianism is commonly associated with various health benefits. However, the association between this dietary regimen and aspects of mental health remains ambiguous. This study compared the symptoms of depression and anxiety, emotional eating (EmE), and body mass index (BMI) in Peruvian vegetarian and non-vegetarian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 768 Peruvian adults, of whom 284 (37%) were vegetarians and 484 (63%) were non-vegetarians. The Depression Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), and an EmE questionnaire were applied; additionally, the BMI was calculated. Simple and multiple linear regression and Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to evaluate the association between depression, anxiety, EmE, and BMI with dietary patterns. Results: The vegetarians (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 0.24, 95% CI 0.16-0.31; p < 0.001) reported more depressive symptoms than the non-vegetarians. This trend persisted for anxiety, with an adjusted PR of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.01-0.29; p = 0.012). However, the vegetarians (adjusted PR = -0.38, 95% CI: -0.61--0.14; p < 0.001) reported lower EmE scores compared to the non-vegetarians. Likewise, the vegetarians had a lower mean BMI than the non-vegetarians (B = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.21--0.08; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vegetarian diets are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as lower EmE and BMI scores. Further longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate these associations and determine causality and the underlying mechanisms involved.

Developing messages to encourage healthy, sustainable dietary substitutions: A qualitative study with US emerging adults

Prior research shows that adopting simple dietary substitutions (e.g., replacing beef with poultry or plant-based entrees) can improve dietary quality and reduce the negative environmental consequences of food production, but little is known about how to encourage people to adopt these substitutions. This study aimed to examine reactions to messages encouraging healthy, sustainable dietary substitutions among emerging adults ages 18-25. We conducted four online focus groups with a diverse sample of US emerging adults (n = 28; 61% female). Focus groups explored emerging adults' reactions to messages encouraging them to adopt three target dietary substitutions: replacing beef and pork with poultry and plant-based entrees; replacing juice with whole fruit; and replacing dairy milk with non-dairy milk. We transcribed discussions verbatim and adopted a thematic approach to analyzing the transcripts. Results showed that participants perceived messages to be most effective at encouraging the target dietary substitutions when the messages: encouraged specific, achievable dietary changes; linked these dietary changes to clear consequences; included personally relevant content; included statistics; were succinct; and used a positive tone. Across the target dietary substitutions, two message topics (small changes, big benefits, which emphasized how small dietary changes can have large positive health and environmental impacts, and warning, which discussed the negative health and environmental impacts of dietary choices) were generally perceived to be most effective. A few participants expressed doubt that the target dietary substitutions would have meaningful environmental impacts. Results suggest that campaign messages to encourage healthy, sustainable dietary substitutions may be more effective if the messages make the target dietary substitutions seem achievable and use statistics to clearly describe the positive impacts of making these changes.

"Let's talk about sleep health": Patient perspectives on willingness to engage in psychological interventions for insomnia

BACKGROUND

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as the first-line treatment yet remains underutilised in general practice. Understanding patient motivations and barriers to engaging in psychological interventions for insomnia is critical. Theoretical frameworks, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour, are needed to identify variables related to intentions and behaviour change.

AIM

To explore key influences that motivate individuals' intention to engage with psychological interventions for insomnia.

DESIGN AND SETTING

An online survey and interviews with 20 community-dwelling participants with insomnia, aged 26-75 years.

METHOD

Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify factors influencing participants' intention to engage with psychological interventions for insomnia.

RESULTS

Participants reported positive attitudes towards psychological interventions for insomnia, stemming from negative beliefs about pharmacological sleep aids and the perceived benefits of a structured and evidence-based intervention. Important others positively influenced participants' intention to engage, however the GP influence was less consistent and often indirect. Participants believed in the efficacy of psychological interventions, but several barriers hampered their ability to benefit from them. Accessibility was identified as a key facilitator, whilst lack of knowledge and clear referral pathways were the main barriers impacting uptake.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights key factors influencing patients' intention to engage in psychological interventions for insomnia as well as opportunities for GPs to support uptake and engagement. Routine conversations about sleep health are essential to reduce the burden of untreated insomnia in the community, and active promotion of evidence-based psychological interventions are needed.