scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Characteristics of University Students in Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Hadjimbei ◽  
George Botsaris ◽  
Vassilis Gekas ◽  
Andrie G. Panayiotou
Keyword(s):  
Olive Oil ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Mediterranean

Objective. To assess dietary-related habits among young adults.Design and Setting. Dietary habits were assessed cross-sectionally, using a self-completed questionnaire in 193 students enrolled in public and private universities in Cyprus. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the validated KIDMED index. BMI was estimated based on weight and height measurements.Results. The mean BMI was 23.31 (±3.98). The mean adherence score to the Mediterranean diet was 6.0 (IQR 4 to 8), with 26.9% of students being classified as high adherers and 21.8% as low adherers to the Mediterranean diet. About 32% of students consumed a second serving of fruit and vegetables more than once a day, whereas 26% reported going more than once a week to a fast-food restaurant and 31% consumed sweets and candy several times a day. On the other hand, 76% of participants reported consumption of at least two dairy products daily and 88% use olive oil at home. The majority consume coffee 2-3 times per day.Conclusions. Results support a shift from traditional healthy diets to more unhealthy eating patterns. However, we also report a high dairy intake and use of olive oil. Tailored-made strategies targeting the young adult population could be warranted.

scholarly journals Arab Women Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Insomnia

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Ayah T. Zaidalkilani ◽  
Omar A. Alhaj ◽  
Mohamed F. Serag El-Dine ◽  
Feten Fekih-Romdhane ◽  
Maha M. AlRasheed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Athens Insomnia Scale ◽  
Adherence Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Small Effect Size ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Arabic Speaking

Background and objective: Sleeping difficulties affect the overall health, nutrition, and wellbeing. The Mediterranean diet has proven effective in improving the quality of life and overall health of people of all ages. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) is linked to reduced insomnia in Arabic-speaking female adults in Jordan. Materials and Methods: A self-administered, cross-sectional survey was used to detect the relationship between MD and sleep quality in Arabic-speaking female adults. Data were collected from 917 Arabic-speaking female participants of 14 Arab nationalities in Jordan between March and May 2021 via social media. All participants answered the whole questionnaire, including questions on sociodemographic aspects, Mediterranean diet adherence, sleeping habits measured with the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and lifestyle components such as smoking and dietary patterns. Results: The mean age of the 917 Arabic-speaking female participants was 36 ± 10 years. Most participants were unemployed (85%) single females (64%) with an undergraduate degree (74%). Most of them (86%) were non-smokers. More than half of the participants were Jordanians (57%). The BMI was normal for 52% of the participants, whereas 26% of them were overweight, and 12% were obese. One-way ANCOVA showed a statistically significant difference between MD adherence score categories and AIS, F (2, 914) = 3.36, p = 0.015. Among the MD adherence score categories, we found that between groups, MD scores above or equal to 10 were associated with a statistically significant difference in AIS. Cohen’s value was calculated for the three MD score categories and indicated a ‘small’ effect size association between all adherence scores of the MD categories and AIS. Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings provide preliminary evidence that participants’ adherence to the MD was significantly associated with better sleep and reduced insomnia symptoms, highlighting the need for further research.

scholarly journals The Economic Cost of Diet and Its Association with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in a Cohort of Spanish Primary Schoolchildren

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1282
Author(s):  
Rosario Pastor ◽  
Noemi Pinilla ◽  
Josep A. Tur
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Old Spanish ◽  
Total Economic Cost ◽  
Data Frequency

Background: Adoption of a certain dietary pattern is determined by different factors such as taste, cost, convenience, and nutritional value of food. Objective: To assess the association between the daily cost of a diet and its overall quality in a cohort of 6–12-year-old Spanish schoolchildren. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a cohort (n = 130; 47% female) of 6–12-year-old children schooled in primary education in the central region of Spain. Three-day 24 h records were administered, and the nutritional quality of the diet was also determined by means of Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI). A questionnaire on sociodemographic data, frequency of eating in fast-food restaurants, and supplement intake were also recorded. The person responsible for the child’s diet and the schooler himself completed the questionnaires, and homemade measures were used to estimate the size of the portions. Food prices were obtained from the Household Consumption Database of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The economic cost of the diet was calculated by multiplying the amount in grams of the food consumed by each child by the corresponding price in grams and adding up the total amount for each participant. The total economic cost of the diet was calculated in €/day and in €/1000 kcal/day. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) for €/day and €/1000 kcal/day represent 62.6% and 65.6%, respectively. According to AUC values, adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) is a moderate predictor of the monetary cost of the diet. A direct relationship between the cost of the diet and the adherence to MD was observed [OR (€/1000 kcal/day) = 3.012; CI (95%): 1.291; 7.026; p = 0.011]. Conclusions: In a cohort of Spanish schoolchildren with low adherence to the MD, a higher cost of the diet standardized to 1000 kcal was associated with above-average MAI values.

scholarly journals High Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Obesity among Adults in Gulf Countries

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 995
Author(s):  
Israa M. Shatwan ◽  
Eiman A. Alhinai ◽  
Balqees Alawadhi ◽  
Shelini Surendran ◽  
Najlaa M. Aljefree ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Hip Circumference ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gulf Countries ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is considered as a good example of a healthy dietary pattern that has protective effects on obesity. The aim of the present study was to assess the adherence of adults from three Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait) to the MedDiet and its association with obesity risk. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 961 men and women (75.7%) aged 20–55 years old. Waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) were measured waist/hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. A validated 14-item Questionnaire was used to measure adherence to MedDiet. The mean of the adherence to MedDiet score was 5.9 ± 2.03 for the total sample. An inverse association was observed between the adherence to MedDiet and BMI after adjusting for potential confounders (p = 0.0003 in total participants, and p = 0.001 in women only). A protective effect was seen with a higher adherence to the MedDiet on HC, suggesting that a greater adherence to the MedDiet was associated with a decreased HC (p = 0.04 in total participants, and p = 0.01 in women only). In conclusion, low adherence to the MedDiet among participants from three gulf countries was associated with increased obesity indicators, BMI, and HC.

scholarly journals Adherence to Mediterranean Diet among Lebanese University Students

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1264
Author(s):  
Joanne Karam ◽  
Maria del Mar Bibiloni ◽  
Mireille Serhan ◽  
Josep A. Tur
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Older Students ◽  
Adequate Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adherence Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The University

Scarce studies described eating habits and diet quality among university students in Lebanon. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among Lebanese university students. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out on 525 students (53% men, 18–25 years old) from the University of Balamand, Lebanon. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using a validated 14-item MedDiet adherence score. Mean adherence to the MedDiet was 7.96 (standard deviation 2.2), and it was adequate in 59% of participants. Adherence to the MedDiet was higher in older students and nonsmokers. Legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts were consumed according to the MedDiet standards among a minimum of 48.4% and a maximum of 69.5% of participants. Chicken, turkey, or rabbit was preferred by 66.9% of participants instead of beef, pork, hamburgers, or sausages; however, just 56.2% of participants showed adequate intake of red meat, hamburger, or meat products. Only 28.8% of them referred to an adequate intake of fish or shellfish. Most of the participants (86.3%) used olive oil as the main added fat, and 67.2% reported a low intake of butter and derivatives. Sofrito was also very usual among participants (79.6%). Only half of the studied sample reported an adequate intake of sweet or carbonated beverages and commercial sweets or pastries. Among the assessed sample, half the participants showed adequate adherence to the MedDiet; however, the mean of adherence among the sample is low.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with the Level of Physical Activity in Fitness Center Users: Croatian-Based Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4038
Author(s):  
Dinko Martinovic ◽  
Daria Tokic ◽  
Lovre Martinovic ◽  
Marko Kumric ◽  
Marino Vilovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
General Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fitness Center ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is based on the traditional cuisine of south European countries, and it is considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide. The promotion of combined MD and physical activity has shown major benefits. However, the association between physical activity and the MD in regular fitness center users is still insufficiently investigated. This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on 1220 fitness center users in Croatia. The survey consisted of three parts: general information, the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The results showed that 18.6% of fitness center users were adherent to the MD, and there was a significant positive correlation between the level of physical activity and the MDSS score (r = 0.302, p < 0.001). Moreover, after dividing the sample into tertiles based on the IPAQ-SF score, the third tertile (MET > 3150 min/wk) had the most fitness center users (34.4%) adherent to the MD, while the first tertile (MET < 1750 min/wk) had the least (6.1%). These outcomes emphasize the importance of physical activity as they imply that, with higher levels of physical activity, people are also possibly more aware of the importance that a healthy and balanced diet has on their well-being.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Habits among University Students in Lebanon

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. El Hajj ◽  
Sofi G. Julien
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Choices ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Westernized Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean

Although the Mediterranean Diet has been acknowledged as the best overall diet for the year 2020, it has seen a decrease in its adherence over the past years. This is due to several reasons, one of which is the gradual shift to a more westernized diet with all the influences that occur especially on university students whose dietary choices set a path for future dietary habits. The aim of this study is to check the level of adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and frequency of breakfast consumption among university students in Lebanon and check whether they are influenced by sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary knowledge, or academic data. A cross-sectional questionnaire was electronically sent to randomly selected students (210 females and 93 males) from different universities across Lebanon, aged between 18 and 25 years old. The questionnaire was filled online, and all data were self-reported. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) was used as a tool to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. The results showed that 18.8% of respondents had high adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Students who reported always consuming breakfast and not skipping meals had significantly higher adherence to the MD. Furthermore, students with lower BMI and higher KIDMED scores had significantly more correct answers on the nutritional knowledge questions. In addition, there was a significant difference in the average KIDMED scores between different GPA categories, most notably when comparing high and poor MD adherence; students with excellent GPA scores had higher adherence to the MD than those with poor GPA scores. In conclusion, nutrition awareness in a university setting is very important since it may positively affect academic outcomes and may be the last chance to teach and engrave healthy eating patterns to a large scale of students.

scholarly journals Anthropometric Measurements, Sociodemographics, and Lifestyle Behaviors among Saudi Adolescents Living in Riyadh Relative to Sex and Activity Energy Expenditure: Findings from the Arab Teens Lifestyle Study 2 (ATLS-2)

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 110
Author(s):  
Hazzaa M. Al-Hazzaa ◽  
Shaima A. Alothman ◽  
Abdullah F. Alghannam ◽  
Alaa A. Almasud
Keyword(s):  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Anthropometric Measurements ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

The aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric measurements, sociodemographics, and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi adolescents relative to sex and physical activity (PA). A random cross-sectional survey conducted on Saudi adolescents from secondary schools in Riyadh, using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique. Measurements included demographics, weight, height, waist circumference, PA, sedentary behaviors (SB), sleep duration, and dietary habits using a validated questionnaire. A total of 1262 adolescents (16.4 ± 0.95 years; 52.4% males) were studied. Overweight/obesity was more than 40%. Physical inactivity among adolescents was 53%, which indicates some improvement over the past years, especially among females. More than 80% of adolescents had over three hours/day of screen time, with no significant sex differences. Insufficient sleep was highly prevalent with gender differences. A large proportion of the participants did not consume daily breakfast (65.7%), vegetables (73.2%), fruits (84.2%), or milk/dairy products (62.4%), whereas significant proportions of the adolescents consumed sugar-sweetened drinks, fast food, French fries/potato chips, cake/donuts, and chocolates/candy on at least three days or more per week. It was concluded that non-daily intake of breakfast and vegetables was significantly associated with lower PA. The updated information can aid in effectively planning and implementing promotional programs toward improving the lifestyle behaviors of Saudi adolescent.

Mediterranean Diet adherence in emerging adults in Izmir

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (3) ◽  
pp. 725-737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmut Genc ◽  
Seda Genc
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Aegean Sea ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediterranean Countries

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the adherence and abandonment of the Turkish emerging adults in an Izmir University located at western Mediterranean coast of Turkey and to assess potential associations with anthropometric characteristics. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey (n=494, 18–27 years) carried out in 2017 among emerging adults in University. KIDMED Index was used to assess the degree of adherence Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). The associations of KIDMED scores with demographic, residency and anthropometric were separately reported. The data were collected through standardized questionnaires directly from participants. Findings The average KIDMED score was calculated 4.86±2.5. Optimum adherence to the MedDiet was found only in 13.0 percent of participants, whereas 32.6 percent had poor adherence levels. Considering self-reported anthropometric data, the BMI values of the population was calculated as 22.3±3.9 kg/m2. In population, 13.9 percent of the subjects were underweight, while 16.0 percent were overweight and 3.9 percent obese. A significant association was found between BMI and KIDMED scores both in genders and residency. Originality/value This is the first study reporting the level of adherence to the MedDiet among Turkish emerging adults in terms of residency during education and the first KIDMED study conducted in Izmir located at Aegean Sea. The results support previously proposed transition concept by several scholar from different Mediterranean countries: it was found that only 13 percent of young adults having desired dietary habits in an Aegean city with local traditional cuisine highly affected by Cretan cuisine. These results are significant for University managements and health authorities in order to take actions for returning this transition contrariwise beginning with these groups.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern among the population of the Balearic Islands

2004 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josep A. Tur ◽  
Dora Romaguera ◽  
Antoni Pons
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Balearic Islands ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Dietary Pattern ◽  
The Mediterranean

The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) in the population of the Balearic Islands and socio-demographic and lifestyle factors that might determine adherence to the MDP. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in the Balearic Islands between 1999 and 2000. A random sample (n 1200) of the adult population (16–65 years) was interviewed. Dietary questionnaires incorporating questions related to socio-economic status, education level, lifestyle factors and health status were utilised. Dietary habits were assessed by means of two 24 h recalls, and a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Adherence to the MDP was defined according to a score constructed considering the consumption of nine MDP characteristic components: high MUFA:saturated fatty acids ratio, moderate ethanol consumption, high legumes, cereals and roots, fruits, vegetables, and fish consumption, and low consumption of meat and milk. Then, socio-demographic, lifestyle and health status variables that could determine a higher or lower adherence were assessed. Adherence to the MDP among the population of the Balearic Islands was found to be 43·1 (sd 5·8) %, and was similar in all socio-demographic and lifestyle groups, with some differences according to age, sex and physical status. There was an increase in the percentage of adherence with age, which was greater in males than in females. A more physically active lifestyle was associated with a higher adherence to the MDP. The promotion of the Mediterranean lifestyle, including the MDP and greater physical activity, should be reinforced in the population of the Balearic Islands and especially in the younger generations.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with the gut microbiota pattern and gastrointestinal characteristics in an adult population

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (12) ◽  
pp. 1645-1655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evdokia K. Mitsou ◽  
Aimilia Kakali ◽  
Smaragdi Antonopoulou ◽  
Konstantinos C. Mountzouris ◽  
Mary Yannakoulia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Molar Ratio ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
E Coli ◽  
High Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the potential associations of adherence to the Mediterranean diet with gut microbiota characteristics and gastrointestinal symptomatology in an adult population. Other long-term dietary habits (e.g. consumption of snacks and junk food or stimulant intake) were also evaluated in terms of the gut microbiota profile. Participants (n 120) underwent anthropometric, dietary, physical activity and lifestyle evaluation. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using a Mediterranean diet score, the MedDietScore, and subjects were classified into three tertiles according to individual adherence scoring. Gut microbiota composition was determined using quantitative PCR and plate-count techniques, and faecal SCFA were analysed using GC. Gastrointestinal symptoms were also evaluated. Participants with a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet had lower Escherichia coli counts (P=0·022), a higher bifidobacteria:E. coli ratio (P=0·025), increased levels and prevalence of Candida albicans (P=0·039 and P=0·050, respectively), greater molar ratio of acetate (P=0·009), higher defaecation frequency (P=0·028) and a more pronounced gastrointestinal symptomatology compared with those reporting low adherence. A lower molar ratio of valerate was also observed in the case of high adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared with the other two tertiles (Pfor trend=0·005). Positive correlations of MedDietScore with gastrointestinal symptoms, faecal moisture, total bacteria, bifidobacteria:E. coli ratio, relative share of Bacteroides, C. albicans and total SCFA, as well as negative associations with cultivable E. coli levels and valerate were indicated. Fast food consumption was characterised by suppressed representation of lactobacilli and butyrate-producing bacteria. In conclusion, our findings support a link between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and gut microbiota characteristics.

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