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 Quality, but not cost, of diet is associated with 5-year incidence of CVD: the ATTICA study

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1890-1897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Vlismas ◽  
Demosthenes B Panagiotakos ◽  
Christos Pitsavos ◽  
Christina Chrysohoou ◽  
Yannis Skoumas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Choices ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
History Of ◽  
Diet Cost ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Traditional Mediterranean Diet

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present work was to calculate the current cost of the Mediterranean diet in Greece and to evaluate the role of diet cost in the development of cardiovascular events after a 5-year follow-up.DesignCross-sectional. Cost of diet was measured in €/week based on common Greek dietary choices, while baseline dietary habits were assessed through a semi-quantitative FFQ (Greek-EPIC). The Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore) was applied to assess overall adherence to this pattern using scores of eleven food variables and alcohol, according to the principles of the Mediterranean diet.SettingFive-year follow-up of the ATTICA study, a nutrition and health survey of a representative, free-living sample of the Greek population resident in the province of Attica, where Athens is a major metropolis.SubjectsFrom 2001 to 2002, 1514 men and 1528 women (aged >18 years) without known CVD were enrolled. In 2006, the 5-year follow-up was performed.ResultsThe weekly cost of participants’ diets varied from 5·35 to 83·57 €/week in men (mean 25·45 (sd 6·80) €/week) and from 10·89 to 55·49 €/week in women (mean 25·63 (sd 6·30) €/week). Diet cost was correlated marginally to MedDietScore (r = 0·060, P = 0·05) as well as being associated with history of hypercholesterolaemia (mean (sd), yes v. no: 24·90 (5·73) v. 25·82 (6·95) €/week, P = 0·027), physical activity (mean (sd), yes v. no: 26·42 (6·90) v. 24·82 (6·20) €/week, P < 0·001) and current smoking (mean (sd), yes v. no: 24·99 (6·40) v. 25·98 (6·70) €/week, P = 0·017). No significant association was found between diet cost and 5-year incidence of CVD (hazard ratio = 1·021, 95 % CI 0·965, 1·081). However, adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with the development of CVD (relative risk per 1-unit increase in MedDietScore = 0·92, 95 % CI 0·89, 0·94) after adjustment for various potential confounders including diet cost.ConclusionsQuality but not cost of the diet is associated with the development of CVD.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Spanish University Students

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Isabel Cobo-Cuenca ◽  
Miriam Garrido-Miguel ◽  
Alba Soriano-Cano ◽  
Asunción Ferri-Morales ◽  
Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
University Students ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Handgrip Strength ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
High Level

The aims of this study were to assess the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) with physical fitness and body composition in Spanish university students and to determine the ability to predict the MD adherence of each Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) item. A cross-sectional study was performed involving 310 first-year university students. Adherence to the MD was evaluated with MEDAS-14 items. Anthropometric variables, body composition, and physical fitness were assessed. Muscle strength was determined based on handgrip strength and the standing long jump test. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) was measured using the Course–Navette test. Only 24% of the university students had good adherence to the MD. The ANCOVA models showed a significant difference between participants with high adherence to the MD and those with medium and low adherence in CRF (p = 0.017) and dynamometry (p = 0.005). Logistic binary regression showed that consuming >2 vegetables/day (OR = 20.1; CI: 10.1–30.1; p < 0.001), using olive oil (OR = 10.6; CI: 1.4–19.8; p = 0.021), consuming <3 commercial sweets/week (OR = 10.1; IC: 5.1–19.7; p < 0.001), and consuming ≥3 fruits/day (OR = 8.8; CI: 4.9–15.7; p < 0.001) were the items most associated with high adherence to the MD. In conclusion, a high level of adherence to the MD is associated with high-level muscular fitness and CRF in Spanish university students.

Dietary habits and sedentary behaviors among health science university students in Bahrain

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman O. Musaiger ◽  
Muyssar S. Awadhalla ◽  
Mariam Al-Mannai ◽  
Muneera AlSawad ◽  
G.V. Asokan
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary patterns and sedentary behaviors among university students in Bahrain. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with students of the College of Health Sciences in Bahrain using a self-reported questionnaire. All the students enrolled in this college were included in this study (642 students; 90 males and 552 females). The mean age of the sample was 20.1±2.0 years. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information on the students’ breakfast intake, snacking, food frequency intake, and sedentary habits. Results: More than 50% of the students did not consume breakfast on a daily basis. A statistically significant difference (p<0.003) was found between males (19%) and females (35%) in relation to the intake of an afternoon snack. There were no significant gender differences regarding frequency of food intake, except for carbonated beverages (p<0.001) and nuts (p<0.047) consumption. Females were more likely than males to spend time watching television, use the Internet, use a mobile phone and sleep; however, the only significant difference found was for Internet use (p<0.003). Being physically active on a daily basis was more prevalent among males (41.6%) than females (16%) (p<0.001). Females (42.9%) were more prone to sleep for less time (<7 h) than males (34.4%)(p<0.08). Conclusion: The findings indicated that a high percentage of health science students in Bahrain had unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behaviors. Thus, an intervention program to promote healthy dietary patterns and lifestyle habits among university students is highly recommended.

Mediterranean diet adherence rates in Sicily, southern Italy

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 2001-2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Grosso ◽  
Stefano Marventano ◽  
Gabriele Giorgianni ◽  
Teodoro Raciti ◽  
Fabio Galvano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Traditional Patterns ◽  
Low Educated

AbstractObjectiveTo assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet and nutrient intakes in a population of Sicily, southern Italy and to evaluate possible determinants, particularly socio-cultural and lifestyle factors.DesignCross-sectional.SettingUrban and rural areas of eastern Sicily.SubjectsBetween May 2009 and December 2010, 3090 adults were randomly recruited through the collaboration of fourteen general practitioners. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was measured by the MedDietScore. Nutrient intakes were assessed through the 24 h recall of the previous day's dietary intake.ResultsRural participants were barely more adherent to the Mediterranean diet than their urban counterparts (mean scores were 27·8 and 27·2, respectively, P = 0·037). The MedDietScore was correlated with intakes of MUFA, fibre and vitamin C, as well as with consumption of non-refined cereals, vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy products, alcohol and nuts. Regression analysis revealed that older and more educated people were more likely to be in the highest tertile of MedDietScore (OR = 1.90; 95 % CI 1·39, 2·59 and OR = 1·29; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·58, respectively). A significant difference in quantity (moderate) and quality (red wine and beer) of alcohol was found according to adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Finally, more active participants were 1·5 times more likely to form part of the high-adherence group.ConclusionsA slow but concrete moving away from traditional patterns has been observed in younger people and low educated people. Public health interventions should focus on these target populations in order to improve the quality of their diet.

scholarly journals Increased knowledge predicts greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Greek adolescents

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paraskevi K Tsartsali ◽  
Janice L Thompson ◽  
Russell Jago
Keyword(s):  
Family Income ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Westernized Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractObjectivesTo examine knowledge of and adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) among Greek adolescents, assess associations between MDP knowledge and adherence with BMI, and determine socio-cultural factors predicting MDP compliance.DesignCross-sectional.SettingGreek adolescents aged 15–17 years.SubjectsTwo hundred adolescents (103 females, ninety-seven males) from six schools on the Greek island of Chios. The sampling procedure was similar for all schools; schools were randomly selected from different geographic areas and all municipalities. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight; participants completed four questionnaires assessing parents’ socio-economic status and education, adolescents’ perceived and actual MDP knowledge, past-week dietary habits, and MDP adherence.ResultsParticipants’ BMI indicated 64·5 % were normal weight and 35·5 % were overweight/obese (mean BMI 23·7 (sd 3·8) kg/m2). Over half had very poor MDP knowledge (58·5 %) and adherence (59·5 %); both perceived (F = 3·35, P = 0·037) and actual MDP knowledge (F = 3·45, P = 0·034) were significantly different across MDP adherence. Perceived MDP knowledge was positively correlated with vegetable consumption (r = 0·185, P = 0·009); actual knowledge was negatively correlated with meat consumption (r = −0·191, P = 0·007). BMI was negatively correlated with family income (r = −0·202, P = 0·004), indicating higher BMI in less affluent households. Actual MDP knowledge was the only significant predictor of MDP adherence (standardized β = 0·162, P = 0·030) in a model accounting for 7·3 % of overall variance.ConclusionsGreek adolescents reported consuming a more Westernized diet detached from the traditional MDP. Actual MDP knowledge and family income were important factors affecting MDP adherence and BMI, respectively. Promoting the traditional MDP among Greek adolescents and their families appears 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 Mediterranean diet reduces the genetic risk of chromosome 9p21 for myocardial infarction in an Asian population community cohort

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsin-Bang Leu ◽  
Chia-Min Chung ◽  
Jaw-Wen Chen ◽  
Wen-Harn Pan
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Genetic Risk ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Snp Markers ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chinese Cohort ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe interaction of genetic susceptibility and dietary habits in cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains undetermined. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a Mediterranean dietary style modified the genetic risk of developing CVD in a Chinese cohort. A total of 2098 subjects with dietary information from a Chinese community cohort (CVDFACTS) were enrolled. Candidate genes, including SNP markers rs1333049 (CDKN2B, 9p21.3), rs17465637 (MIA3, 1q41) and rs501120 (CXCL12, 10q11.21), were genotyped to analyze the association with future CVD. The impact of dietary pattern was also analyzed according to adherence to the diet using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). After an average follow-up of 7.8 years, only the C risk allele of rs1333049 at chromosome 9p21.3 was associated with a higher risk of MI with either an additive [HR = 1.78, 95% CI:1.23–2.5] or a recessive model [HR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.42–4.04], and the CC genotype had a higher risk of developing MI (p = 0.009, log-rank test). There was no significant difference in the association of the lipid profile with future CV outcomes among the MDS tertiles. However, the high MI risk of the CC genotype in individuals consuming a less healthy diet (MDS1) (HR: 6.39, 95% CI: 1.74–23.43) significantly decreased to 2.38 (95% CI: 0.57–10.04) in individuals consuming a healthier diet (MDS3), indicating that a healthier dietary pattern (higher MDS) modified the risk of developing MI in carriers of variants in CDKN2B. In conclusion, genetic variants of CDKN2B at 9p21 were significantly associated with future MI risk in a Chinese cohort, and the genetic risk of MI could be modified by a healthier diet.

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 Is the Mediterranean lifestyle still a reality? Evaluation of food consumption and energy expenditure in Italian and Spanish university students

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Baldini ◽  
Francesca Pasqui ◽  
Alessandra Bordoni ◽  
Magda Maranesi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Physical Activity Level ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
And Gender

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the correspondence of diet and lifestyle to the Mediterranean model in two groups of Italian and Spanish university students.DesignA cross-sectional nutritional survey to determine BMI, dietary habits (FFQ), energy daily expenditure and lifestyle (SenseWear® Armband; BodyMedia Inc.), and to define the Mediterranean diet quality index (MDQI) in the different student groups.SettingBologna (Italy) and León (Spain).SubjectsThe survey was carried out on 210 (105 Italian; 105 Spanish) university students (mean age 27·0 (sd 3·8) years) of two different Mediterranean areas, Bologna (Italy) and León (Spain).ResultsThe frequency of consumption of some food groups showed differences related to nationality and gender. Some classic Mediterranean foods such as cereals and vegetables were generally consumed more frequently by Italian students; others such as fish and pulses by Spanish students. Percentage of overweight was higher among Spanish students in spite of their higher physical activity level.ConclusionYoung generations seem to give up the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern, adopting new dietary trends. Overweight appears to be related not only to physical activity level, but also to the poor MDQI.

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