Author:
Bôto Joana Margarida,Marreiros Ana,Diogo Patrícia,Pinto Ezequiel,Mateus Maria Palma
Abstract
Abstract
Objective:
This study aimed to identify health behaviours that determine adolescent’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) through a decision tree statistical approach.
Design:
Cross-sectional study, with data collected through a self-fulfilment questionnaire with five sections: (1) eating habits; (2) adherence to the MD (KIDMED index); (3) physical activity; (4) health habits and (5) socio-demographic characteristics. Anthropometric and blood pressure data were collected by a trained research team. The Automatic Chi-square Interaction Detection (CHAID) method was used to identify health behaviours that contribute to a better adherence to the MD.
Setting:
Eight public secondary schools, in Algarve, Portugal.
Participants:
Adolescents with ages between 15 and 19 years (n 325).
Results:
According to the KIDMED index, we found a low adherence to MD in 9·0 % of the participants, an intermediate adherence in 45·5 % and a high adherence in 45·5 %. Participants that regularly have breakfast, eat vegetable soup, have a second piece of fruit/d, eat fresh or cooked vegetables 1 or more times a day, eat oleaginous fruits at least 2 to 3 times a week, and practice sports and leisure physical activities outside school show higher adherence to the MD (P < 0·001).
Conclusions:
The daily intake of two pieces of fruit and vegetables proved to be a determinant health behaviour for high adherence to MD. Strategies to promote the intake of these foods among adolescents must be developed and implemented.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Nutrition and Dietetics,Medicine (miscellaneous)
Cited by
2 articles.
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