Fish Consumption Preferences and Habits in Babaeski and Demirköy Districts of Kırklareli

Abstract
Fish consumption is very important for a healthy and balanced diet. It is recommended to consume fish for the development of the brain and immune system from a young age. In order to avoid or overcome diseases such as heart, atherosclerosis and cholesterol in later ages, the importance of fish consumption should be increased. In this context, it is necessary to take measures to determine fish consumption habits and accordingly. For these reasons, this study was carried out to determine fish consumption and habits of people living in Demirköy and Babaeski districts of Kırklareli province. Within the scope of quantitative research origin, survey method was used. A questionnaire was used to determine fish consumption and habits as a data collection tool. After the applications with a total of 250 people, the data were analyzed with the SPSS 25 program. Analysis data were evaluated by tabulating frequency and percentage. In addition, the relationship between the monthly income of the participants from both districts and the frequency of fish consumed in a month was determined by chi-square analysis. It was determined that there were similarities in the fish preferences of the people participating in the study from Demirköy and Babaeski. In determining fish consumption preferences and habits, monthly income level, number of people in the family, hunting season, and freshness of the fish were also evaluated. It was concluded that the places to buy fish were different in both districts, and there was a relationship between monthly income and the amount of fish consumed in a month. It is thought that fish consumption can be increased with the opening of markets where people can buy fresh fish in all seasons, and the fish prices should be determined by associating them with monthly income.