A Lebanese Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Lower Food Insecurity Among Lebanese Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional National Study (P04-055-19)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To derive dietary patterns (DPs) of Lebanese adolescents (10–18 years) and evaluate associations between identified DPs and household food insecurity (HFI). Methods Data was drawn from a national survey on a representative sample of Lebanese households (n = 1204, 2015). HFI was assessed using a locally-validated, Arabic-translated version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Dietary intake was assessed using a 187-item locally-validated food frequency questionnaire. Principal component factor analysis was used to derive the DPs. Partial correlations were conducted to investigate the associations between DPs and macro- and micron-nutrient intakes (energy-adjusted). Multiple linear regression models were applied to examine the association between HFI scores and derived DPs. Results Two DPs were derived from the study population: Western and Lebanese-Mediterranean (LM). The Western DP was characterized by higher consumption of sweetened beverages, fast foods, sweets, salty snacks and refined grains; whereas the Lebanese DP was characterized by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains. The Western DP was positively associated with alcohol (r = 0.3) and negatively associated with fiber (−0.35), calcium (−0.31), iron (−0.17), vitamins A (−0.31) and D (−0.15); P < 0.05. LM pattern was positively and highly correlated with fiber, proteins, iron, Vitamin A (r ≥ 0.30); moderately correlated with carbohydrates, calcium and Vitamin D (r < 0.3); and negatively correlated with total fat, saturated and polyunsaturated fats (r ≥ −0.26, P < 0.05). After adjustment for socio-demographics, Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the higher HFI score was associated with lower adherence to LM DP among adolescents (β = −0.026, P = 0.012, 95% CI −0.046, −0.006). No significant association was observed between HFI and the Western DP. Conclusions In conclusion, adolescents in food insecure households are less likely to consume the LM DP; the latter being associated with better nutrients’ intake vs. Western DP. Findings of this study can guide the development of preventive strategies emphasizing the adoption of a LM pattern among food insecure households and youth to promote better dietary quality and prevent risk of chronic diseases. Funding Sources Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research.