Is sustainable dietary behavior related with diet quality?: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to explore sustainable eating behaviors among Turkish adults aged 18–65 and examine their associations with demographic factors and diet quality. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,148 participants, utilizing demographic data, dietary records, and the Sustainable Eating Behaviour Scale. The Diet Quality Index (DQI) was used to assess diet quality. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, with a significance level of p<0.05. Results: Of the participants, 72.7% were female, with a mean age of 32.4±11.6 years. Sustainable eating behaviors were significantly higher among women, individuals with higher education and income levels, and those residing in larger cities (p<0.001 for gender, education, income; p=0.041 for residence). Individuals with obesity had higher sustainable eating scores compared to normal-weight individuals (106.8±19.1 vs. 101.1±15.5, p=0.033). Diet quality scores were also affected by gender, education, and residence (p<0.05). Conclusion: Sustainable eating behaviors are influenced by demographic factors and are associated with healthier dietary patterns. Education, gender, age, and residence emerge as key determinants for promoting sustainable nutrition practices.