Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Characteristics of University Students in Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Elena Hadjimbei; George Botsaris; Vassilis Gekas; Andrie G. Panayiotou

doi:10.1155/2016/2742841

journal article Open Access Jan 01, 2016

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Characteristics of University Students in Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Elena Hadjimbei George Botsaris Vassilis Gekas Andrie G. Panayiotou

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism Vol. 2016 pp. 1-8 · Wiley

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Abstract

Objective. To assess dietary-related habits among young adults.Design and Setting. Dietary habits were assessed cross-sectionally, using a self-completed questionnaire in 193 students enrolled in public and private universities in Cyprus. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the validated KIDMED index. BMI was estimated based on weight and height measurements.Results. The mean BMI was 23.31 (±3.98). The mean adherence score to the Mediterranean diet was 6.0 (IQR 4 to 8), with 26.9% of students being classified as high adherers and 21.8% as low adherers to the Mediterranean diet. About 32% of students consumed a second serving of fruit and vegetables more than once a day, whereas 26% reported going more than once a week to a fast-food restaurant and 31% consumed sweets and candy several times a day. On the other hand, 76% of participants reported consumption of at least two dairy products daily and 88% use olive oil at home. The majority consume coffee 2-3 times per day.Conclusions. Results support a shift from traditional healthy diets to more unhealthy eating patterns. However, we also report a high dairy intake and use of olive oil. Tailored-made strategies targeting the young adult population could be warranted.

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Metrics

58

Citations

36

References

Details

Published: Jan 01, 2016
Vol/Issue: 2016
Pages: 1-8
License: View

Authors

E

Elena Hadjimbei

Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus

G

George Botsaris

Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus

V

Vassilis Gekas

Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus

A

Andrie G. Panayiotou

Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health in Association with the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, 3041 Limassol, Cyprus

Funding

Cyprus University of Technology Award: EX-056/2010

Cite This Article

Elena Hadjimbei, George Botsaris, Vassilis Gekas, et al. (2016). Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Characteristics of University Students in Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2016, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2742841

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Characteristics of University Students in Cyprus: A Cross-Sectional Survey

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