Perceptions and practices of self-defined current vegetarian, former vegetarian, and nonvegetarian women

摘要: Abstract Objective To assess the diversity of vegetarians' dietary practices and how they change over time, to explore perceptions meat dairy products among vegetarians, former nonvegetarians. Design Cross-sectional survey; qualitative interviews with a subsample. Subjects/setting Ninety self-defined current vegetarian, 35 vegetarian 68 nonvegetarian women in Vancouver, British Columbia. A subsample 15 subjects completed interviews. Statistical analysis performed Group comparisons using 1-way variance post-hoc testing for continuous variables, χ 2 categorical variables. Results Of 90 51 14 reported occasional use fish or chicken respectively. Fifty-six including 4 6 vegans, that their diets had become more restrictive 48 planned additional changes, most frequently reduction product use. Reasons cited by vegetarians resuming omnivorous included: not feeling healthy, concern about nutritional status, living situation, missing taste meat. Perceptions differed significantly pattern: nonvegetarians were likely than agree statements inferring positive attributes (eg, nutrient content). In contrast, agreed negative presence contaminants). Applications/conclusions Dietitians who counsel need be aware heterogeneity beliefs regarding animal provide advice appropriate each individual. At broader level, addressing women's food safety welfare concerns will require collaboration industry government, health, consumer agencies. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002; 102: 354–360 .