Using population surveillance data to identify factors influencing the dietary behaviours of Western Australians

Abstract

The use of statistical techniques recently developed for application with sequential cross sectional data allowed quantification of the relative importance of influences on decisions about food choices. New findings included a temporal association between fast food consumption and BMI; two independent healthful eating indicators; and evidence of precursors and consequences of running out of food. While the findings are directly applicable to adults in Western Australia, the methods offer the possibility of wider application.