The role of primary care providers in supporting more sustainable lifestyles: Experiences and expectations of vegan parents.

Abstract

There is growing evidence of the harms caused by the mass production and consumption of animal products and the benefits of plant-based diets - ethically, environmentally, and for human health. While human and planetary health are increasingly viewed as interconnected, the healthcare system remains largely anthropocentric and disengaged from sustainability goals. Given its influential role, the healthcare system can either support or hinder the acceptance of plant-based diets as part of addressing ecological and public health crises. This article explores the experiences of vegan parents in their interactions with primary care providers (PCPs) based on qualitative interviews with 25 vegan parents. Our findings indicate that while some parents reported neutral or supportive experiences, negative and unsupportive interactions with PCPs were more typical. Fear of stigma led some to avoid disclosing their family's veganism altogether. These findings highlight important concerns about the quality and equity of healthcare, patient autonomy, and the healthcare system's potential role in supporting and promoting plant-based diets and sustainable food practices more broadly. As powerful institutional authorities, the healthcare system and its key actors, such as PCPs, can and should support moving towards more sustainable and ethical food and health futures.