Association between body mass index and diet quality index-international and mediterranean diet compliance during Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Rationale: Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) which consists of diversity, adequacy, moderation, and general balance categories is a tool created to examine the diet quality of populations. Mediterranean diet (MD) is a nutritional model that reduces the risk of many chronic diseases (1). This study was carried out to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and compliance with DQI-I and MD in healthy adults. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 926 healthy individuals aged 19 to 64, between February and June 2020. The questionnaire, consisting of general demographic information, Mediterranean Diet Assessment Tool (PREDIMED), and a 24-hour dietary recall, was applied by phone due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Body weight and height was self-claimed by participants. DQI-I was calculated according to 24-hour dietary recall by a trained dietitian. Results: The average age of the participants was 35.1±13.40 years and 50.4% of the participants were female. The average BMI was 25.1±4.50, the average DQI-I score was 53.4±9.82 (out of 100 points), and the PREDIMED score was 5.9±2.21 (out of 12 points). There was a significant positive correlation between DQI-I scores and BMI (r=0.094, p=0.004) however there was no correlation between PREDIMED scores and BMI (r=0.022, p>0.05) (Table 1). Average scores for DQI-I subsections were 15±3.59 (78.5%) for diversity (out of 20 points); 26.2±6.11 (65.5%) for adequacy (out of 40 points); 9.9±5.61 (33%) for moderation (out of 30); and 1.7±2.18 (17%) for moderation (out of 10 points).Table 1.Correlations between body mass index and diet quality index-international and Mediterranean diet compliance scoresBMI (kg/m2)rpDQI-I Scores0.0940.004PREDIMED Scores0.0220.496 Open table in a new tab Conclusion: In this study, the average DQI-I score was found low and among sub-sections the minimum score was gathered from the general balance category, which implies an imbalance of fatty acids and macronutrients contributing to energy intake. This study was initially planned to be conducted face to face however it was carried out by phone interviews due to the pandemic. Therefore anthropometric measurements were taken based on personal statements. This may have caused a measurement bias. In order to prevent obesity and obesity-related diseases, more interventions should be carried out to increase diet quality especially during COVID-19 pandemic.