Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the factors associated with increased Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence among a sample of Italian adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1135 students (13–16 years) attending 13 secondary schools of Sicily, southern Italy. Validated instruments were used for dietary assessment and the KIDMED score to assess adolescents’ adherence to the MD. A higher adherence to the MD was associated with high socioeconomic status (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.53, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.03–2.26) and high physical activity (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02–1.70), whereas lower adherence was associated with living in an urban environment (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.97) and being obese (OR 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37–0.94). The adolescents’ KIDMED scores were inversely associated with adolescents’ intake of sweets, fast foods, fried foods, and sugary drinks, and directly with fruit, vegetables, pasta, fish, and cheese intakes. Urban-living adolescents were less likely to eat fruit and more prone to consume meat, sugary drinks, and fast food than rural-living adolescents. The latter were more likely to eat sweets and snacks. A general poor quality of food consumption in Italian adolescents away from the MD was reported, especially among those living in urban areas.
Highlights
Obesity among adolescents is one of the most important public health concern [1]
The present study aimed to examine the factors associated with Mediterranean diet adherence in a sample of Italian adolescents living in Sicily, southern Italy
We reported the nutritional data from 1135 adolescents living in Sicily, southern Italy, and evaluated the factors associated with their adherence to the Mediterranean diet
Summary
Obesity among adolescents is one of the most important public health concern [1]. The prevalence of overweight among adolescents in the USA has increased rapidly over the past years [2] and similar trends have been recorded in European countries [3]. Numerous studies in adults reported the beneficial health effects of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, especially protection against cardiovascular diseases risk and certain cancers [5,6]. This dietary pattern is characterized by high consumption of vegetables fresh fruits, legumes, cereals, and a moderate intake of alcohol as main source of fiber and antioxidants, with fish, nuts, and olive oil as that ensure a high intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), associated with low intake of trans fatty acids from meat and sweets [6]. Modernization of society implies a series of unhealthy lifestyle habits such as sedentary activities (computer and television use) as well as less physical activity, which mostly affect young people [10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
