Socioeconomic and Ethnic Influences on Food Choices in Singapore's Diabetes Cohort
Applied/Translational Research
Care Continuum
Singapore Health Biomedical Congress
National Healthcare Group
7 January 2026
This study examined the associations between socioeconomic status (SES), ethnicity, and dietary patterns among Singaporean. Our study data suggests that future public health interventions would benefit from combining targeted food assistance programs with.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 07 January 2026
Tags: Quantitative Research, Preventive Care, Population Health, Health Promotion, Applied/Translational Research, Care Continuum
About this Content
Aims
This study examined the associations between socioeconomic status (SES), ethnicity, and dietary patterns among Singaporean adults.
Background
Socioeconomic disparities in dietary choices remain a significant public health concern in Singapore's multicultural society.
Methods
Cross-sectional data from 1,355 SMART2D participants were analyzed using validated Food Frequency Questionnaires. One-way ANOVA examined differences in food group consumption across income, education levels and ethnicity.
Results
Lower-income groups (S$2,000/month) consumed significantly less meat (77.75g/day vs 130.72g/day; p 0.001) and eggs compared to higher-income groups. Educational attainment positively correlated with protein foods consumption, with degree holders consuming twice the amount compared to those with no formal/primary education (p0.001). Higher education levels were also associated with increased vegetable intake (98.45g/day vs 52.31g/day; p0.001) and whole grain consumption (85.62g/day vs 43.27g/day; p0.001). Chinese participants consumed more refined grains (347.79g/day vs 238.17g/day in Malays; p0.001) and meat, while Malays showed higher fish/seafood consumption and Indians
consumed more vegetables (all p0.001).
Conclusion
Our study data suggests that future public health interventions would benefit
from combining targeted food assistance programs with culturally-appropriate dietary education to
address both socioeconomic constraints and behavioural factors.
Lessons Learnt
These findings reveal significant socioeconomic and ethnic disparities in Singaporean dietary patterns. While our quantitative evidence demonstrates clear income gradients in protein food consumption and distinct ethnic dietary preferences, qualitative research is needed to explore underlying factors influencing food choices.
Keywords
Socioeconomic status, ethnic disparities, dietary patterns, public health interventions
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Khoo Teck Puat Hospital |
Platform(s) | Singapore Health Biomedical Congress |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Nutrition ＆ Dietetics, Clinical Research |
Project Lead(s) | Kwan Tsz Kiu |
Project Member(s) | Keven Ang Kue Loong |
Connect with this contributor!
Kwan Tsz Kiu - kwan.tsz.kiu@nhghealth.com.sg