Dietary patterns more closely resemble actual eating behaviours because multiple food groups, not a single food group or nutrient, are considered. The present study aimed to identify and assess changes of dietary patterns in Fukushima residents.

Dietary data were collected using a short-form FFQ in annual Fukushima Health Management Survey between 2011 and 2013 after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Year- and sex-specific dietary patterns were determined by the principal component analysis.

Evacuation and nonevacuation zones in Fukushima, Japan.

Eligible participants aged ≥16 years answered the FFQ (n 67 358 in 2011, n 48 377 in 2012 and n 40 742 in 2013).

Three identified dietary patterns were assessed similarly in men and women and among years: typical, juice and meat. In total participants, the Spearman’s correlation coefficients between two survey years were 0·70–0·74 for the typical, 0·58–0·66 for the juice and 0·50–0·54 for the meat pattern scores. Adjusted for sociodemographic factors, evacuees had lower typical pattern scores, higher juice pattern scores and the same meat pattern scores compared with non-evacuees. The means of typical pattern scores in evacuees and it of juice pattern scores in non-evacuees continued declining over years. Similar profiles of dietary patterns and trends of pattern scores were observed in participants (n 22 805) who had provided three dietary assessments.

Changes of dietary patterns have been observed between 2011 and 2013. Careful investigation of those with low intake of typical pattern foods and promotion of them, particularly in evacuees, are needed.