Impact of an educational intervention on the quality of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and weight status in adolescents: Randomised clinical trial

Abstract

ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of an educational intervention on the quality of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity and weight status in adolescents. MethodRandomized clinical trial (RCT), controlled with a multimodal educational intervention (control group [n=36] and experimental group [n=46]). Data collection at the beginning and end of the study, in teenagers from Cáceres, Spain. In both groups anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic data were determined. The quality of the Mediterranean diet was assessed through the KIDMED test, the degree of physical activity through the PAQ-A questionnaire and weight status with the growth charts of the Faustino Orbegozo Eizaguirre Foundation. ResultsWe obtained a significant increase in the experimental group in the PAQ-A questionnaire that assesses physical activity (p=.029). No significant differences were observed between groups in the weight status (p=.916). When comparing the quality of the Mediterranean diet (high vs moderate or low quality) with physical activity (p control=.730; experimental p=.495) and with weight status (p control=.838; experimental p=.372), No significant differences are observed. ConclusionsThe educational intervention did not improve the quality of the Mediterranean diet or physical activity, although most of our sample had normal weight and acceptable physical activity. We must continue to improve the healthy eating pattern of our adolescents, to ensure an adequate state of health in the future.