Dairy Product Consumption Patterns and Associated Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors Among Adults from Selected Peruvian Cities

Abstract

Background: Dairy products provide protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, but intake may vary across sociodemographic and lifestyle groups. Objective: To characterize dairy consumption patterns and identify factors associated with consuming ≥3 dairy servings/day among adults recruited from selected Peruvian cities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2026. Of the 1619 eligible participants, 203 (12.5%) reported no dairy consumption and were analyzed separately for reasons for non-consumption; the final analytical sample included 1265 dairy consumers. Dairy intake was assessed using a culturally adapted questionnaire with content validity evaluated by expert judgment. Descriptive analyses, bivariate tests, and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Results: Mean age was 33.0 ± 13.0 years, and 61.2% were women. The most commonly consumed products were cheese (90.9%), yogurt (85.4%), whole milk (71.2%), and quesillo or fresh cheese (60.8%). Overall, 16.3% consumed ≥3 dairy servings/day. Participants recruited from cities in the Highlands (aOR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.37–0.79) and Amazon (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.40–0.87) had lower odds of reaching this threshold than those from the Coast. Middle socioeconomic status was associated with lower odds (aOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.34–0.67), whereas physical activity ≥3 times/week was associated with higher odds (aOR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.09–2.14). Perceived lactose intolerance was the most frequently reported reason for non-consumption (46.8%). Conclusions: Consumption of ≥3 dairy servings/day was uncommon. Socioeconomic differences were the most consistent correlate, while geographic and physical activity associations warrant cautious interpretation.