Exploring the Relationship between Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Subjective Well-Being among Greek and Cypriot Adults.

Associations between subjective well-being (SWB) and dietary habits, employment status, and habitual activities are increasingly capturing the focus of researchers as well as policymakers worldwide. This study aimed to explore these associations in a sample of the population in Greece and Cyprus via an online survey. In total, 936 questionnaires (470: Cyprus, 466: Greece) were analyzed to study the associations between the Mediterranean Diet (MD) (using the 14-item MEDAS score, (14-MEDAS)), subjective well-being (SWB), and several socioeconomic factors. Key remarks of this survey highlight the positive impact of MD adherence on some well-being items. Namely, statistically significant differences were found on the following items: Satisfied with life (p < 0.001), Life worthwhile (p < 0.001), Feeling happy (p < 0.001), worried (p = 0.005), and depressed (p = 0.001), when comparing Low MD adherence (14-MEDAS < 5) to High MD adherence (14-MEDAS > 10). Other lifestyle habits such as spending time with friends and family, spending time in nature, and habitual physical activity were associated with aspects of SWB such as Life satisfaction, Life worthwhile, Feeling happy, and energetic. The findings support adherence to the MD, since it is associated with higher life satisfaction and self-reported happiness in this sample and should be considered when developing health policies on well-being.

Association of Mediterranean diet adherence with disease progression, quality of life and physical activity, sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, and serum biomarkers in community-dwelling older adults with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) constitutes a chronic inflammatory and degenerative demyelinating disease, which can progressively lead to a broad range of sensorimotor, cognitive, visual, and autonomic function symptoms, independently of patient' age. However, the clinical studies that examine the role of dietary patterns against disease progression and symptomatology remain extremely scarce, especially concerning Mediterranean diet (MD) in the subgroup age of older adults with MS. AIMS: The present study aimed to investigate the potential impact of MD compliance in disease progression and symptoms severity as well as quality of life and physical activity of community-dwelling older adults with MS. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional conducted on 227 older adults with no history of other severe disease. Relevant questionnaires were applied to collect sociodemographic and anthropometric factors by face-to face interviews between patients and qualified personnel. Serum biomarkers were retrieved by patients' medical records. RESULTS: Higher MD compliance was independently associated with younger patients' age, lower risk of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity, decreased disease progression and higher muscle mass, as well as greater physical activity, better quality of life, and adequate serum ferritin and albumin levels CONCLUSIONS: MD may exert beneficial effects in older adults with MS. Future strategies and policies are highly recommended to inform both the general population and the older patients with MS for the beneficial effects of MD in preventing MS and in improving or even slowing down the disease progression and symptoms severity of MS.

Adherence to the MIND diet and the odds of mild cognitive impairment in generally healthy older adults: The 3-year DO-HEALTH study.

BACKGROUND: The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet may slow cognitive decline in older adults. A potential mechanism could be possible anti-inflammatory properties of the MIND-diet. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether adherence to the MIND diet at baseline is associated with the odds of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and changes in biomarkers of inflammation (High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein(hsCRP), interleukin-6(IL-6)) over three years in adults ≥70 years. METHODS: Adherence to the MIND diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) at baseline and after three years. Presence of MCI based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was defined as <26 (MCI26), or <24 (MCI24). We performed a minimally adjusted model controlling for sex, prior fall, linear spline at age 85, time, treatment and study site. The fully adjusted model also adjusted for education, BMI, physical activity, depression score, daily energy intake, and comorbidity score. To assess the change in inflammatory markers from baseline, we used linear-mixed-effect models adjusted for the same variables plus the respective baseline concentrations. Sensitivity analyses accounting for practice effects of repeated cognitive tests using the reliable change index for both MoCA cut-offs were done. RESULTS: We included 2028 of 2157 DO-HEALTH participants (60.5% women; mean age 74.88 years) with complete data. Adherence to the MIND diet at baseline was not associated with cognitive decline over three years, neither at MoCA < 26 (OR (95%CI) = 0.99 (0.94-1.04)) nor at MoCA < 24 (OR (95%CI) = 1.03 (0.96-1.1)). Applying the reliable change index to the two cut-offs confirmed the findings. Further, the MIND diet adherence was not associated with the change in MoCA score from baseline in DO-HEALTH. For inflammatory biomarkers MIND-diet baseline adherence was not associated with changes in hsCRP or IL-6. CONCLUSION: Adherence to the MIND-diet was neither associated with the odds of MCI, nor with hsCRP or IL-6 at baseline. Moreover, change in MIND-diet over three years was not associated with changes in hsCRP or IL-6.

Microbial Phenolic Metabolites Are Associated with Improved Cognitive Health.

SCOPE: Diets rich in polyphenols has been associated with better cognitive performance. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) in urine and cognition in the context of an older population at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional analysis is conducted in 400 individuals of the PREDIMED-Plus study. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry is used to identify urinary MPM. Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence is estimated with a 17-item questionnaire and cognitive function is evaluated with a battery of neuropsychological tests. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models are fitted to assess the relationship of urinary MPM with the MedDiet and cognitive tests. Protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher adherence to the MedDiet. Regarding cognitive function, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid glucuronide, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, enterodiol glucuronide, and enterolactone glucuronide are directly associated with a global composite score of all the cognitive tests. Furthermore, protocatechuic acid and enterolactone glucuronide are associated with higher scores in the Mini-Mental State Examination, whereas enterodiol glucuronide is associated with improved Clock Drawing Test scores. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the MedDiet is linked to MPM associated with better cognitive performance in an older population.

A Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Greater Participation in Physical Activity and Better Health-Related Quality of Life among Students and Professors at the Melilla Campus (University of Granada).

The objective of this study was to assess Mediterranean diet (MD) scores (i.e., alignment with a MD pattern) among students and professors, in addition to assessing how adherence to the MD was associated with other lifestyle behaviors. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with a sample of 127 university professors and 272 students of the Melilla Campus at the University of Granada (Spain). Students were more physically active than professors (mean difference = 1058 METs, p < 0.001) and reported lower negative affect (NA; mean difference = -1.70, p < 0.001) whereas professors reported nominally better perceived mental health. For the total sample, the physical health component (ß = 0.03, p = 0.03) and physical activity (ß = 0.0001, p = 0.01) were significantly associated with higher MD scores. Health behaviors, including MD scores and physical activity, were suboptimal among both students and professors. The results suggest that a dietary pattern reflective of the MD is positively associated with both physical and mental health outcomes among students and professors, though the direction of the associations remains to be clarified.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Childhood and Adolescence: The Interrelation with Level of Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Trajectories: Highlights from the DIATROFI Program (2021-2022).

Children's dietary habits can have a key role in contributing to an improvement in their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). This study aims to assess the connection between Mediterranean diet adherence and HRQoL in a sample of Greek students, utilizing data from the DIATROFI program. The parents of 3774 students (mean age 7.8 (2.6) years) reported their children's HRQoL and level of adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern at the beginning and end of the 2021-2022 school year. At baseline, most students' adherence was characterized as moderate (55.2%) or high (25.1%). Students with moderate or high adherence tο the Mediterranean diet were less likely to report a total HRQoL below the median at baseline (OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.44, 0.70), along with all its dimensions (physical, emotional, social, and school functions). A one-unit improvement in KIDMED score (beginning-end of schoolyear) was associated with the likelihood of an improvement in total HRQoL (beginning-end of schoolyear) (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.02, 1.17), emotional (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.02, 1.17), and social functions (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.05, 1.22), but not with physical and school functions. The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet in children may not be limited to disease prevention but also extend to their overall wellbeing.

Barriers and Facilitators Associated with the Adoption of and Adherence to a Mediterranean Style Diet in Adults: A Systematic Review of Published Observational and Qualitative Studies.

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been linked with physical and mental health benefits. Previous research, however, suggests that adoption and adherence to a Mediterranean diet might be difficult for people who live outside of the Mediterranean region. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the factors that influence adoption and adherence to a Mediterranean style diet in adults aged 18 years old and over, as identified in published observational and qualitative studies. Following registration of our protocol on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42018116515), observational and qualitative studies of adults' perceptions and experiences relevant to following a Mediterranean style diet were identified using systematic searches of databases: MEDLINE, the Cochane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus, over all years of records until February 2022. A narrative synthesis was then undertaken. Of 4559 retrieved articles, 18 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria and were included. Factors influencing adoption and adherence to a MedDiet were identified and categorized as: financial, cognitive, socio-cultural, motivational, lifestyle, accessibility & availability, sensory & hedonic and demographic. Similar barriers and facilitators are often reported in relation to healthy eating or the consumption of specific healthy foods, with a few exceptions. These exceptions detailed concerns with specific components of the MedDiet; considerations due to culture and traditions, and concerns over a cooler climate. Suggestions for overcoming these barriers and facilitators specific to adoption and adherence to the Mediterranean diet are offered. These data will inform the development of future studies of robust methodology in eating behaviour change which offer pragmatic approaches for people to consume and maintain healthy diets.

Impact of emotional intelligence on adherence to the Mediterranean diet in elementary education school students. A structural equation model.

Background: Adolescence is one of the stages where a large number of physical, psychological and emotional changes occur, the latter playing a key role in adherence to a healthy dietary pattern. Taking into account the above, this research reflects the objectives of developing an explanatory model of the incidence of attention, clarity and emotional repair on adherence to the Mediterranean diet and to contrast the structural model through a multigroup analysis based on Mediterranean adherence to this dietary pattern. Methods: To this end, a comparative descriptive cross-sectional study has been carried out with 293 students from the third cycle of primary education. The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the KIDMED test and the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24). Results: Students who show low adherence to the Mediterranean diet have a negative association with the repair of negative emotions. Participants who show a medium adherence to the Mediterranean diet, it is observed that they have a negative relationship with emotional clarity, while students who claim to have a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet show positive relationships with each of the constructs that make up emotional intelligence.

Interconnectedness between periodontitis stage, oral hygiene habits, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and nutritional status in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), nutritional status parameters, muscle strength, and periodontal status in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). 89 KTRs were included in this analysis, 40 (45%) women, with a mean age of 61 years (IQR = 13) and a mean time since kidney transplantation of 5 years (IQR = 6.6). An OHIP-14 questionnaire and questionnaire-based periodontal history were obtained from all participants, a comprehensive periodontal examination was performed. Body composition data, anthropometric and clinical parameters were collected for each study participant. The Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) was used to assess MeDi adherence, and handgrip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. Our results showed low adherence to MeDi in KTRs (28%) and almost 50% of KTRs suffer from severe forms of periodontitis. We also found a low OHIP-14 score and poor oral hygiene habits. KTRs with a less severe form of periodontitis had higher muscle mass and handgrip strength. MDSS score was associated with a higher number of teeth, and everyday cereal intake was inversely associated with the periodontitis stage. Our results demonstrate the associations between nutritional status, muscle strength, dietary habits, and periodontal health in Dalmatian KTRs.

Adherence to MIND Diet, Genetic Susceptibility, and Incident Dementia in Three US Cohorts.

Adherence to Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) may lower the risk of dementia by impacting immunity and cholesterol, which are pathways also implicated by genome-wide association studies of Alzheimer's Dementia (AD). We examined whether adherence to the MIND diet could modify the association of genetic risk for AD with incident dementia. We used three ongoing US cohorts: Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP, n = 2449), Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP, n = 725), and Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS, n = 5308). Diagnosis of dementia was based on clinical neurological examination and standardized criteria. Repeated measures of global cognitive function were available in MAP and CHAP. Self-reported adherence to MIND was estimated using food-frequency questionnaires. Global and pathway-specific genetic scores (GS) for AD were derived. Cox proportional hazard, logistic regression, and mixed models were used to examine associations of MIND, GS, and GS-MIND interactions with incident dementia and cognitive decline. Higher adherence to MIND and lower GS were associated with a lower risk of dementia in MAP and WHIMS and a slower rate of cognitive decline in MAP (p < 0.05). MIND or GS were not associated with incident dementia or cognitive decline in CHAP. No gene−diet interaction was replicated across cohorts. Genetic risk and MIND adherence are independently associated with dementia among older US men and women.

Associations of Mediterranean diet with psychological ill-being and well-being throughout the pregnancy course: The GESTAFIT project.

PURPOSE: The relation between diet and maternal mental health during pregnancy might be relevant to prevent adverse materno-foetal outcomes. This study examined the association of Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and MD components with mental health during pregnancy. METHODS: This secondary analysis of the GESTAFIT trial included longitudinal data from 152 pregnant women. Dietary habits were assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, and MD adherence was derived from it using the Mediterranean Food pattern. Psychological ill-being (i.e., negative affect, anxiety, and depression) and well-being (i.e., emotional intelligence, resilience, positive affect) were assessed with the Spanish version of well-established self-reported questionnaires. Cross-sectional (16th gestational week [g.w.]) and longitudinal associations (34th g.w.) between MD and mental health were studied using linear regression models. RESULTS: A greater MD adherence was inversely associated with negative affect and anxiety; and positively associated with emotional regulation, resilience and positive affect at the 16th and 34th g.w. (|ß| ranging from 0.179 to 0.325, all p < 0.05). Additionally, a higher intake of whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, and a lower intake of red meat and subproducts and sweets were associated with lower negative affect, anxiety, depression and higher emotional regulation, resilience and positive affect throughout gestation (|ß| ranging from 0.168 to 0.415, all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A higher intake of whole grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, together with a lower intake of red meat and sweets, resulted in a higher MD adherence, which was associated with a better mental health during pregnancy.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and subjective well-being among Chilean children.

Scientific literature has demonstrated positive associations between psychological health (e.g., self-esteem, self-concept) and quality of diet in young population. However, the relationship between subjective well-being (SWB) (referred to the way in which individuals experience and evaluate their lives in positive versus negative ways) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), as well as the specific eating MD patterns in this population is unexplored. The aim of this study was two-fold: first, to explore the association between subjective well-being (SWB) and adherence to the MD, and second, to determine the possible MD specific eating patterns that could be associated with SWB among schoolchildren. This cross-sectional study includes a sample of 1490 Chilean children aged 8-12 (33.6% girls). SWB was evaluated according to Diener's tripartite model, evaluating the life satisfaction (CUBE questionnaire), positive affect and negative affect (PANAS-C questionnaire). Adherence to the MD was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) questionnaire. Both life satisfaction (p = 0.009) and positive affect (p = 0.041) are significant higher in children with high adherence to the MD in comparison to non-adherence peers. Similarly, daily intake of fruit or fruit juice was associated with life satisfaction (ß = 0.117, p = 0.008) and positive affect (ß = 0.087, p = 0.050). This association was also found for the intake of a dairy product for breakfast (life satisfaction: ß = 0.117, p = 0.005; positive affect: ß = 0.104, p = 0.013). Our study demonstrated that higher life satisfaction and SWB are related with higher adherence to the MD, as well as, with the intake of fruit/fruit juice and dairy intake (for breakfast); not being so for negative affect.

Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Tendency to Orthorexia Nervosa in Professional Athletes.

Among many lifestyle components that professional athletes have to follow, nutrition is gradually growing to be one of the key factors for achieving and maintaining optimal sport performance. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recognized as one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide; however, data regarding adherence to the MD among professional athletes are still scarce. Moreover, with the imposed need for a healthy diet among professional athletes, orthorexia nervosa (ON) could become a rising issue. This cross-sectional study included 150 professional athletes and 150 matched recreational athletes from Croatia. Four questionnaires were used for the assessment: general information, a test for the diagnosis of ON (ORTO-15), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS). Significantly more professional athletes were adherent to the MD (p < 0.001) and had a tendency to ON (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between the ORTO-15 score and the total MET min/week score (r = -0.524, p < 0.001) and a significant positive correlation between the MDSS score and the total MET min/week score in the professional athlete group (r = 0.478, p < 0.001). All of these results imply that professional athletes are more concentrated on their dietary patterns than recreational athletes, and that due to this dedication, they possibly have a higher adherence to the MD but also possibly a higher risk for developing ON. However, the association between ON and the MD should be further addressed in the future.

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Lower Depressive Symptoms among U.S. Adults.

Depression is a leading cause of disability, yet current prevention and treatment approaches have only had modest effects. It is important to better understand the role of dietary patterns on depressive symptoms, which may help prevent depression or complement current treatments. This study examined whether adherence to a Mediterranean diet (Med Diet), determined by the Alternate Med Diet score (aMED), was associated with depressive symptoms in a representative sample of U.S. adults. The aMED score (range 0-9) was calculated from a 24-h diet recall with gender-specific quartiles (Q) estimated. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to define depressive symptoms, which was dichotomized as no to mild (0-9) versus moderate to severe symptoms (10-27). Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between quartiles of aMED and depressive symptoms when controlling for sociodemographics, total calories, and the time of year of diet recall; 7.9% of the sample had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Compared to individuals with the lowest aMED (Q1), individuals in Q3 and Q4 had 40% and 45% lower odds of moderate to severe depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50, 0.74; OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.84, respectively). This study provides modest support of Med Diet's role in supporting positive mental health.

Association Between Adherence to the MIND Diet and Cognitive Performance is Affected by Income: The ELSA-Brasil Study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and cognition has not been widely investigated in low- to middle-income countries. We investigated the relationship between MIND diet and cognition in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) baseline data. METHODS: We included 11,788 participants. MIND diet adherence was based on the intake of 15 components according to a food frequency questionnaire. We analyzed the association between MIND diet adherence and global cognition, memory, and executive function using adjusted linear regression. We examined the interaction between income and MIND diet adherence on cognition and presented income stratified analyses. RESULTS: MIND diet adherence was not associated with cognition in the whole sample. Income was an effect modifier of MIND adherence on global cognition (P=0.03) and executive function (P<0.001). For participants with high income, greater adherence was associated with better executive function [ß=0.015, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.002; 0.028, P=0.025]; while for participants with low income, greater adherence was associated with lower global cognition (ß=-0.020, 95% CI=-0.036; -0.005, P=0.010) and executive function (ß=-0.023, 95% CI=-0.039; -0.007, P=0.004). Adherence to the MIND diet was higher among participants with high income (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: For high-income participants, greater adherence was associated with better cognitive performance; for low-income participants, greater adherence was associated with lower cognitive performance.

MIND Diet and Cognitive Function in Puerto Rican Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Healthy diets have been associated with better cognitive function. Socioeconomic factors including education, poverty, and job complexity may modify the relationship between diet and cognition. METHODS: We used adjusted linear mixed models to examine the association between long-term adherence to the Mediterranean-Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension - Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and cognitive function over 8 years of follow-up in Puerto Rican adults residing in the Boston, MA area (aged 45-75 years at baseline). We also examined whether the MIND diet-cognition association was confounded or modified by socioeconomic measures. RESULTS: In both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses the highest, versus lowest, MIND quintile was associated with better cognition function (ß = 0.093; 95% CI: 0.035, 0.152; p trend = .0019), but not with cognitive trajectory over 8 years. Education <=8th grade (ß = -0.339; 95% CI: 0.394, -0.286; p < .0001) and income-to-poverty ratio <120% (ß = -0.049; 95% CI: -0.092, -0.007; p = .024) were significantly associated with lower cognitive function, while higher job complexity (ß = 0.008; 95% CI: 0.006, 0.011; p < .0001) was associated with better cognition function. These variables acted as confounders, but not effect modifiers of the MIND-diet-cognitive function relationship. CONCLUSION: Adherence to the MIND diet was associated with better cognitive function at baseline and over 8 years of follow-up; however, MIND diet was not associated with 8-year cognitive trajectory. More studies are needed to better understand whether the MIND diet is protective against long-term cognitive decline.

Quality of life in liver transplant recipients during the Corona virus disease 19 pandemic: A multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplant recipients require specific clinical and psychosocial attention given their frailty. Main aim of the study was to assess the quality of life after liver transplant during the current pandemic. METHODS: This multicentre study was conducted in clinically stable, liver transplanted patients. Enrollment opened in June and finished in September 2021. Patients completed a survey including lifestyle data, quality of life (Short Form health survey), sport, employment, diet. To examine the correlations, we calculated Pearson coefficients while to compare subgroups, independent samples t-tests and ANOVAs. To detect the predictors of impaired quality of life, we used multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We analysed data from 511 patients observing significant associations between quality of life's physical score and both age and adherence to Mediterranean diet (p < .01). A significant negative correlation was observed between mental score and the sedentary activity (p < .05). Female patients scored significantly lower than males in physical and mental score. At multivariate analysis, females were 1.65 times more likely to report impaired physical score than males. Occupation and physical activity presented significant positive relation with quality of life. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was another relevant predictor. Regarding mental score, female patients were 1.78 times more likely to show impaired mental score in comparison with males. Sedentary activity and adherence to Mediterranean diet were further noteworthy predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Females and subjects with sedentary lifestyle or work inactive seem to show the worst quality of life and both physical activity and Mediterranean diet might be helpful to improve it.

Influencia del desayuno sobre la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y el estado ponderal en alumnas de Magisterio de Madrid / Influence of breakfast on adherence to the Mediterranean diet and weight status among student teachers in Madrid

Introducción: la ingesta regular de una calidad de desayuno (CDy) “completa” se ha asociado con una elección de alimentos más saludable a lo largo del día, así como la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (ADM) se ha relacionado con una mejora del estado de salud. Objetivo: evaluar en una población universitaria la CDy y establecer la relación con la ADM y el estado ponderal (EP). Métodos: estudio transversal con una muestra de 490 universitarias. Se empleó un registro semanal de alimentos. Se establecieron 5 categorías de desayuno, adaptadas de los criterios EnKid-FEN: tres en función de grupos básicos (lácteos, cereales y frutas): “mala” (no desayuna o no incluye ninguno), “insuficiente” (incluye al menos uno) y “mejorable” (incluye al menos dos); y dos en función de grupos básicos, de otros grupos adicionales y de la energía: “buena” (incluye principalmente los tres grupos básicos y puede incluir otro grupo adicional, en cuyo caso la energía debe ser < 20 % de la diaria) y “completa” (incluye los tres grupos básicos más otro grupo adicional, con una energía ≥ 20 % de la diaria). Asimismo, se computó el tiempo empleado en desayunar. La ADM se obtuvo mediante el test Kidmed. Para el establecimiento de las categorías del EP se utilizó el IMC. (AU)

Introduction: the intake of a “complete” breakfast quality (BQ) has been associated with a healthier food choice throughout the day, as Mediterranean diet adherence (MDA) has been associated with an improvement in the health status. Objective: to assess BQ in a university population, and to establish its relationship with MDA and weight status (WS). Methods: this was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 490 university students. A weekly breakfast food registry was used. Five categories were established, according to the adaptation of the EnKid-FEN criteria, three according to the basic groups (dairy, cereals, and fruits): “Bad” (does not have breakfast or does not include any), “Insufficient” (includes at least one) and “Improvable” (includes at least two); and two depending on the basic groups, other additional groups different from the previous ones, and the energy consumed: “Good” (includes mainly the three basic groups, and can include another additional group, in which case the sum of energy is < 20 % of the daily energy) and “Complete” (includes the three basic groups plus another additional group with a sum of energy ≥ 20 % of daily requirement). In addition, the time spent eating breakfast was computed. The assessment of MDA was carried out using the Kidmed questionnaire. BMI was used to establish the WS categories. (AU)

Mediterranean Diet, Psychological Adjustment and Health Perception in University Students: The Mediating Effect of Healthy and Unhealthy Food Groups.

This study aims to identify the relationships between eating habits and psychological adjustment and health perception, and to analyze potential mediating role of healthy and unhealthy foods in the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the psychological constructs and health perception. The sample was selected through stratified random cluster sampling and was composed of 788 university students. The participants responded to a MedDiet adherence screener and food consumption inventory to assess the eating habits, instruments measuring self-esteem, life satisfaction, curiosity and sense of coherence to assess the psychological adjustment, and single item measuring perceived health. The results revealed 41.9% of the participants had a high consumption of vegetables and 85.1% a low consumption of energy drinks, while 29.9% showed a high adherence to the MedDiet which was positively associated to each psychological variable and healthy foods and negatively with unhealthy foods. In conclusion, a higher adherence to the MedDiet, and the consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to higher psychological adjustment and health perception. However, the relationships between MedDiet and the psychological variables and health perception were fully or partially explained because of the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods.

The social and psychological health of children is associated with Mediterranean diet adherence items, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lifestyle / La salud social y psicológica de los niños está asociada a los ítems de la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria y el estilo de vida

Background: Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence, physical activity (PA) patterns, and physical fitness are associated with physical, social, and psychological health in children. Objective: the purpose of this study was to determine the association of items of MD adherence, fitness components, and lifestyle with psychological and social health in Chilean schoolchildren. Material and methods: this cross-sectional study included 615 schoolchildren, both girls (n = 271, 11.7 ± 1.00 years old) and boys (n = 344, 11.8 ± 1.1 years old). Anthropometric parameters, fitness components, lifestyle, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and self-esteem were measured. Results: HRQoL showed an association with cardiorespiratory fitness (β: 0.12, p < 0.001) and PA (β: 0.32, p = 0.023). Self-esteem was inversely associated with screen time (β: -1.35, p < 0.001). Moreover, social health presented a positive association with PA after school (β: 0.06, p = 0.037). In relation to MD adherence items, HRQoL was linked to the items “Takes a fruit or fruit juice every day” (β: 1.93, p = 0.004) and “Consumes fresh or cooked vegetables > 1 time/day” (β: 1.12, p = 0.018). Self-esteem was associated to “Consumes a dairy product > 1 time/day” (β: 3.30, p = 0.030). Social health was inversely related to “Eats at a fast food restaurant ≥ 1 time/week” (β: -0.26, p = 0.003) and positively to “Consumes pasta or rice almost every day” (β: 0.35, p = 0.049). Conclusion: MD adherence items, fitness, and lifestyle were linked to psychological and social health, therefore it is necessary to develop preventive strategies for schoolchildren to change in a positive way these modifiable lifestyle behaviors. (AU)

Antecedentes: la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea (DM), los patrones de actividad física (AF) y la condición física están asociados a la salud física, social y psicológica de los niños. Objetivo: el propósito de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre ítems de adherencia a la DM, componentes de la condición física y el estilo de vida con la salud psicológica y social de los escolares chilenos. Material y métodos: este estudio transversal incluyó a 615 escolares, niñas (n = 271, 11,7 ± 1,00 años) y niños (n = 344, 11,8 ± 1,1 años). Se midieron parámetros antropométricos, componentes de la condición física, estilo de vida, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) y autoestima. Resultados: la CVRS mostró asociación con la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (β: 0,12, p < 0,001) y la PA (β: 0,32, p = 0,023). La autoestima, por su parte, se relacionó de manera inversa con el tiempo frente a la pantalla (β: -1,35, p < 0,001). Además, la salud social presentó una asociación positiva con la AF después de la escuela (β: 0,06, p = 0,037). En relación a los ítems de adherencia a la DM, la CVRS se vinculó a los ítems “Toma una fruta o jugo de fruta todos los días” (β: 1,93, p = 0,004) y “Consume verduras frescas o cocidas > 1 vez/día” (β: 1,12, p = 0,018). La autoestima se asoció a “Consume un producto lácteo > 1 vez/día” (β: 3,30, p = 0,030). La salud social se vinculó inversamente con “Come en un restaurante de comida rápida ≥ 1 vez/semana” (β: -0,26, p = 0,003) y positivamente con “Consume pasta o arroz casi todos los días” (β: 0,35, p = 0,049). Conclusión: los ítems de adherencia a la DM, la condición física y el estilo de vida se relacionaron con la salud psicológica y social de los escolares, por lo que es necesario desarrollar estrategias preventivas para modificar de manera positiva estas conductas de estilo de vida modificables. (AU)