Influence of religion on diet: comparative study between catholics and seventh day adventists

Abstract

The influence of religion on food was addressed, considering the different cultural perceptions. The study analyzed the relationship between religion and food choices of Catholics and Seventh-day Adventists in Tubarão (SC). A descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative approach was used, with participants over 18 years old. Information was collected on the participants' clinical and sociodemographic data, such as age, gender, body mass index, presence of chronic diseases, use of medication and household characteristics. The results showed that Adventist participants have an average of 37.1±13 years, while in the Catholic group it was about 38.6±15.2 years, with 42% women and 58% men. Most have a weight for height considered healthy and do not have chronic diseases. In the Catholic group, the mean age was 38 years, comprising 54% women and 46% men. They also have a weight for height considered healthy and a similar percentage of chronic diseases. Differences between Catholics and Seventh-day Adventists were highlighted, providing a broader understanding of the complex interactions between religion and food, as well as their sociodemographic implications. The study revealed that Catholic respondents have little or no religious influence on food, on the other hand, Adventist respondents showed a strong religious influence on their food choices, based on biblical guidelines, which are faithfully followed by the church.