Socioeconomic determinants of the adherence to healthy and sustainable eating patterns in very high Human Development Index countries

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death globally, disproportionally affecting individuals in lower socioeconomic positions. Promoting a healthy and sustainable diet may be a crucial strategy for preventing these diseases and protecting the environment. Therefore, understanding the connections between socioeconomic position and sustainable healthy eating patterns is vital for effective public health interventions. Objectives: This review aims to examine the association between sustainable healthy eating patterns and socioeconomic determinants. Methodology: For this review, several databases were consulted employing MeSH terms and combinations of keywords, without any time restriction, focusing on European countries with a very high Human Development Index. Results: Studies have demonstrated that individuals with higher incomes and a higher educational level tend to exhibit higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, while mixed results were found regarding residential area and occupational status. Limited evidence exists for the Nordic and the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, with higher education being associated with adherence. Vegetarian diets are more prevalent among those with higher educational levels and lower income. For the Planetary Health Diet, higher adherence is more likely to be observed in metropolitan and rural areas and among both higher and lower incomes. Further research is needed to explore socioeconomic determinants of adherence to Mediterranean-DASH Intervention to Stop Hypertension. Conclusions: Dietary habits are influenced by political and economic factors, and it is important for governments, along with other stakeholders, to promote healthy environments and address the remaining challenges.