The Adherence to Sustainable Healthy Diet among Lithuanian University Students and Its Demographic and Social Correlates
1
Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Background. Among critical behaviors to prevent climate change is sustainable healthy diets (SHD) that significantly influence greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (1). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a sustainable healthy diet as one that promotes all dimensions of health—physical, mental, and social—while minimizing environmental impact (2). Methods. This cross-sectional study included 389 university students. Among the participants, 68% were female. Adherence to an SHD was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire that measured the consumption of specific food groups relevant to environmentally sustainable healthy diets, as well as food waste behaviors, following the guidelines of the EAT-Lancet Commission (3). The total score ranged from 0 – none to 10 - great adherence to SHD. Demographic characteristics such as gender, level of education, and field of study were collected. Four separate items measured social support for, discussions about SHD within close social circles, organizational (university) influence on SHD, and personal importance attributed to the environmental impact of diet. Results revealed that the mean SHD score among university students is 5 (1.8) points, showing the average adherence. Linear regression analysis showed that females (β=.259***), and graduates (β=.106*) better comply with SHD. Discussions about SHD in social circles (β=142*) and the personal importance of the environmental impact of everyday diet (β=.167**) were positively related to better adherence to SHD. Neither social support nor organizational influence demonstrated a significant effect on adherence to the SHD. Conclusion. Adherence to the SHD among university students is currently moderate, with significant room for improvement. Enhancing adherence can be achieved by increasing the perceived importance of sustainability and encouraging discussions about its impact on diet within close social circles. Additionally, raising individual awareness through diverse communication channels such as media outreach, educational programs, interventions, and influence from respected public figures can further motivate students to adopt sustainable dietary habits.
Background. Among critical behaviors to prevent climate change is sustainable healthy diets (SHD) that significantly influence greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (1). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a sustainable healthy diet as one that promotes all dimensions of health—physical, mental, and social—while minimizing environmental impact (2). Methods. This cross-sectional study included 389 university students. Among the participants, 68% were female. Adherence to an SHD was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire that measured the consumption of specific food groups relevant to environmentally sustainable healthy diets, as well as food waste behaviors, following the guidelines of the EAT-Lancet Commission (3). The total score ranged from 0 – none to 10 - great adherence to SHD. Demographic characteristics such as gender, level of education, and field of study were collected. Four separate items measured social support for, discussions about SHD within close social circles, organizational (university) influence on SHD, and personal importance attributed to the environmental impact of diet. Results revealed that the mean SHD score among university students is 5 (1.8) points, showing the average adherence. Linear regression analysis showed that females (β=.259***), and graduates (β=.106*) better comply with SHD. Discussions about SHD in social circles (β=142*) and the personal importance of the environmental impact of everyday diet (β=.167**) were positively related to better adherence to SHD. Neither social support nor organizational influence demonstrated a significant effect on adherence to the SHD. Conclusion. Adherence to the SHD among university students is currently moderate, with significant room for improvement. Enhancing adherence can be achieved by increasing the perceived importance of sustainability and encouraging discussions about its impact on diet within close social circles. Additionally, raising individual awareness through diverse communication channels such as media outreach, educational programs, interventions, and influence from respected public figures can further motivate students to adopt sustainable dietary habits.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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