Lifestyle patterns in the Peruvian population: analysis of tobacco, alcohol and fruit/vegetable consumption based on a nine-year national survey.

IntroductionA populations lifestyle is a factor in public health and general well-being; thus, three indicators are alcohol consumption, smoking activity, and a healthy diet. ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine the trends and factors associated with alcohol consumption, smoking activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on the National Survey of Demography and Family Health (ENDES) database between 2014 and 2022. Smoking status was categorized as never smoker, former smoker, current smoker, and daily smoker; alcohol consumption was classified as not having consumed in the last 12 months, non-excessive consumption in the previous 30 days, and excessive consumption. Fruit and vegetable consumption was divided into whether five or more servings were consumed, and it was formed separately into three or more portions for fruit and two more portions for vegetables. ResultsThe overall prevalence of lifestyles, starting with daily smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and consumption of fewer than five portions of fruits and vegetables per day, are 1.55%, 3.06%, and 91.02%, respectively. Significant differences were found between each of them in terms of age, sex, and socioeconomic status. ConclusionsThe current study observed slight changes in the prevalence of daily and current smokers. Additionally, an increase in excessive alcohol consumption in 2020, followed by a decrease in 2022, was found. The study draws attention to the troubling scarcity of fruit and vegetable intake within the population, underscoring potential health risks posed by inadequate consumption of these nutritious foods. The study not only found significant divergences in wellness practices relating to gender, age, and area but also highlighted how accounting for such elements in public health intervention strategies is paramount by emphasizing the need to consider those variances.