Greek adolescents and the Mediterranean diet: factors affecting quality and adherence

Objective: Evaluation of adolescents' adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) and the connection to anthropometric, demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle characteristics. Methods: In all, 525 adolescents aged 12 to 18 y from Athens and Heraklion, Greece, participated in this cross-sectional, school-based study, which took place during March and April 2012. The dependent variable was scored on the KIDMED test, with score >8 indicating an optimal Mediterranean diet (MD). Analysis included chi(2) test and Student's t test for the association between variables. Linear regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of AMD. A two-sided P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of the participants, 21% had very good AMD. Positive predictors were mother's educational level (P < 0.01), living with both parents (P < 0.05), and residing in a smaller city (P < 0.01). Negative predictors were age (P < 0.05), >4-h computer use per day (P < 0.01), and lack of physical activity (P < 0.01). No correlation was found between AMD and body mass index (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Several anthropometric, demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle characteristics were significantly associated with AMD. It is highly important that children and adolescents adhere at a very young age to the MD as the healthier dietary choice. Further researchers might explore whether the economic recession in Greece has any effects on adolescents' dietary habits. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.