Factors Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Palestinian High School females’ students in Hebron city: Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: Adopting an eating pattern complying with the Mediterranean diet not only reduces body fat mass and obesity risk, but also decreases the development of various health problems. However, Mediterranean countries have testified a reduced adherence during the past years and the adoption of a more westernized dietary pattern. The main aim of our study is to explore the Mediterranean diet adherence and to evaluate the relationship between KIDMED scores and selected variables school students in Hebron city, Palestine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 360 voluntary female student, aged between 15-18 years. Socio-demographic data, nutritional habits, and anthropometric measurements were obtained from self-administered questionnaires. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents was used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results: Results indicated that 37.5% of the students had a low adherence to Mediterranean diet, 53.1% had a moderate adherence to Mediterranean diet, and 9.40% had a high adherence to Mediterranean diet. KIDMED scores are significantly associated all dietary habits listed below, with an exception for following a diet plan. Furthermore, it was noticed that KIDMED scores are negatively associated with age, first meal, and overnight fasting. On the other hand, the scores are positively associated with last meal, and number of main meals. Conclusions: In conclusion, results should plead for an increased awareness in Palestinian high- schools, supporting students to be more adherent to the Mediterranean diet, in order to prevent a further increase in metabolic diseases later in adulthood.