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Publication
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among primary school children in the Tagus Lezíria region, Portugal: a study on eating habits
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Poor dietary habits remain a significant public health concern,
highlighting the need to promote healthy and sustainable eating patterns, especially in
childhood and adolescence. This study assessed the eating habits of primary school
children in the Tagus Lezíria region, focusing on adherence to the Mediterranean Diet
(MD), recognized for its health and environmental benefits. Methods: The KIDMED
index (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents) was applied to
435 children, the vast majority (97.7%) aged 6–10 years. Results: The data showed that
64.6% of participants exhibited high adherence to the MD, 32.0% medium, and 3.5% low
adherence. Despite these encouraging levels, several gaps were identified: 80% of the
children did not meet the recommendation for regular nut consumption (≥2–3 times/week),
44% consumed legumes less than once a week, and 43% failed to eat vegetables more than
once a day. Regarding demographic factors, no significant differences were observed in
overall adherence categories; however, differences emerged in specific eating behaviours.
For example, girls consumed more vegetables and cereals than boys, and children in rural
areas consumed less dairy than those living in urban settings. Conclusions: These findings
emphasize the importance of reinforcing targeted school-based educational interventions
to promote healthier dietary behaviours, particularly increased consumption of fruits,
vegetables, fish, pulses, and nuts. Strengthening children’s adherence to the MD from
an early age may contribute to improving their health and fostering sustainable eating
practices.
Description
Keywords
Mediterranean diet KIDMED index Tagus Lezíria demographic factors children
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Andrade, V.L.; Ferrão, I.; Figueiredo, M.; Dias, I.; Pinto, P.; Ruivo, P. (2025). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet among primary school children in the Tagus Lezíria Region, Portugal: a study on eating habits. Nutrients, 17 (17), 2853. https://doi.org/10.3390/ nu17172853
Publisher
MPDI