Applied nutritional investigationGreek adolescents and the Mediterranean diet: factors affecting quality and adherence

•Adherence by Greek adolescent to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) is low.•AMD is higher in younger adolescents, adolescents whose mothers have higher educational levels, adolescents who live with both parents, and those in Heraklion.•Lower AMD was found among adolescents who spend many hours on their computer and do not engage in physical activity.•Initiatives in Greece to promote healthier lifestyle and better AMD among adolescents.

ObjectiveEvaluation of adolescents' adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMD) and the connection to anthropometric, demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle characteristics.MethodsIn all, 525 adolescents aged 12 to 18 y from Athens and Heraklion, Greece, participated in this cross-sectional, school-based study, which took place during March and April 2012. The dependent variable was scored on the KIDMED test, with score >8 indicating an optimal Mediterranean diet (MD). Analysis included χ2 test and Student's t test for the association between variables. Linear regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of AMD. A two-sided P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the participants, 21% had very good AMD. Positive predictors were mother's educational level (P < 0.01), living with both parents (P < 0.05), and residing in a smaller city (P < 0.01). Negative predictors were age (P < 0.05), >4-h computer use per day (P < 0.01), and lack of physical activity (P < 0.01). No correlation was found between AMD and body mass index (P > 0.05).ConclusionsSeveral anthropometric, demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle characteristics were significantly associated with AMD. It is highly important that children and adolescents adhere at a very young age to the MD as the healthier dietary choice. Further researchers might explore whether the economic recession in Greece has any effects on adolescents' dietary habits.