Eating Patterns and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: A Cross-Sectional Study in Albania

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the level of adherence to the Mediterraneandiet pattern overall and to specific dietary components, among Albanianadults. Design and Setting: This is a cross-sectional study carried out duringJune - July 2019 in Vlora and Fieri cities, Albania. The study populationconsisted of 209 adults, randomly selected. Participation rate was 73%.Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed via an online questionnairebased on the previously validated and translated 14 item questionnairePREDIMED (Prevención com Dieta Mediterránea). Results: Most of theparticipants enrolled in the study were women (63%) and between 18-35 yearsof age (76.1%) . The majority of the participants had moderate adherence toMediterranean diet (57.4%) and only 14.4% of them had high adherence.Higher adherence was reported for the use of olive oil as the primary culinaryfat (72.7%), whereas lowest adherence was achieved for wine consumption(12.4%). Mean Mediterranean diet score did not differ significatly betweenwomen and men. Conclusions: There is a worldwide trend to adopt unhealthyeating behaviour and the results of this study indicate that eating patterns andlifestyle habits in the population have to be improved. We recommend thatthere is a strong need for effective strategies to promote healthy behaviour andto implement Mediterranean diet by more individuals.