Mediterranean Food Pattern Adherence in a Female-Dominated Sample of Health and Social Sciences University Students: Analysis from a Perspective of Sustainability

Abstract

Background/objectives: The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean Food Pattern (MFP) in a self-selected sample of university students, addressing a perspective of food sustainability. In addition, it seeks to relate adherence to MFP with sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional status.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional pilot study whose data collection was carried out by an online questionnaire between January and April 2023.

Results: Two hundred and forty-eight students participated-most of them were female (78.2%), had a median of 22 (20; 30) years, resided in the central region of Portugal (42.3%), and were pursuing a degree (73.4%) in a public higher education institution (66.5%). The prevalence of overweight (overweight and obesity) found was 33.1%. Females predominantly used olive oil as their main source of fat (95.9%, p = 0.009) and had a higher consumption of sugary drinks (81.4%, p = 0.004) compared to males, who reported usage rates of 85.2% and 63.0%, The median score of the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener was 7 points, presented with an interquartile range (Q1: 6, Q3: 8), indicating moderate adherence. The analysis showed no differences between the sexes (p = 0.087). There was also a negative correlation between adherence to the MFP and the body mass index (p = 0.007; r = -0.171). In addition, adherence to the MFP was associated with the area of study and the course attended, with students in health-related fields showing higher adherence.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at promoting adherence to the MFP among university students, which could contribute to improved health outcomes and enhanced environmental sustainability.

Keywords: food sustainability; mediterranean diet; sustainable diets; university students.