The application of an analytic network process to select vegetarian food for chronic disease patients

¹ Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
² Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
³ Infirmary of Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: athakorn@kmutnb.ac.th

Abstract

Food is important for patients with chronic diseases. Food choice is a multiple-criteria decision problem because there are so many options and factors to consider. The number of chronic disease patients continues to increase. People with chronic diseases eat a lot of healthy food groups, such as vegetarian foods, because it can help prevent, treat, and lower the risk of chronic diseases. People with chronic diseases should eat vegetarian food. From previous research studies, no research has been done to prioritize the appropriate vegetarian food menus for people with chronic diseases. Therefore, the objective of this research is to prioritize the appropriate vegetarian food menu for patients with three chronic diseases as appropriate for each disease by using the analytic network process. The results show that the model for prioritizing food menus in patients with chronic disease is appropriate and nutritionally correct. The benefits of this research can help support food decisions for consumers with chronic diseases. This model encourages people who suffer from chronic diseases to eat nutritious foods that are appropriate for their condition. Vegetarian food that is appropriate for an individual is referred to as being a part of a sustainable food system.