The relationship between the level of Mediterranean Diet nutrition knowledge and level of Mediterranean Diet use in middle-aged adults living in East Yorkshire: a cross-sectional survey
By Annette James - Nutrition Science and Practice
Abstract
Background
Planned behavioural theory suggests nutritional knowledge (NK) can influence dietary choices. Evidence supports adopting a healthy eating pattern (eg. Mediterranean Diet (MD)) may reduce the risk of chronic conditions that increase in prevalence with age. Existing published studies have investigated the relationship between MD NK (MD-NK) and adherence in various countries in adult populations and the socio-demographic factors that modify the relationship. To date, to this researcher’s knowledge, no UK study has addressed this relationship. Furthermore, no study has investigated MD-NK and adherence specifically among middle-aged adults worldwide.
Aims
To investigate the relationship between level of MD-NK and MD use among middle-aged adults currently living in East Yorkshire and the socio-demographic factors that might modify the relationship.
Methodology
A quantitative cross-sectional methodology was employed using self-administered validated questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered to a convenience sample of adults, aged 40-69 years currently living in East Yorkshire. The coded data was entered into SPSS software for analysis.
Findings
Completed surveys were returned by 241participants (41% male) with 12% non-response. Higher mean MD-NK Questionnaire (MDNK) scores were found for females (p=0.004) and degree educated individuals(p=0.001). Females(p=0.001), degree educated (p=0.016) and married/cohabiting participants (p=0.007) had higher mean Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) scores. Pearson’s correlation established a weak positive relationship (r=0.169,p=0.009) between MDNK and MEDAS, explaining 2.9% of the variation in 4MEDAS scores. Multiple linear regression determined gender, education level and marital status as significant predictors of MD adherence (p<0.001), explaining14% of the variation in MEDAS scores.
Conclusions
A significant weak positive relationship between MD-NK and adherence was observed in a sample of middle-aged adults living in East Yorkshire. MD-NK was not a predictor of MD adherence. Further research is required into the importance of other external and internal factors influencing dietary choices among middle-aged adults.
