Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Physical Activity, Self-Concept and Sociodemographic Factors in University Student
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Zurita Ortega, Félix; San Román-Mata, Silvia; Chacón Cuberos, Ramón; Castro Sánchez, Manuel; Muros Molina, José JoaquínEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Mediterranean diet Physical activity Physical activity Self-concept Socioeconomic factors
Date
2018-07-26Referencia bibliográfica
Zurita Ortega, F. [et al.]. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Physical Activity, Self-Concept and Sociodemographic Factors in University Student. Nutrients 2018, 10, 966.
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess adherence to the Mediterranean
diet (MD) and to examine the relationship between MD adherence, physical activity, self-concept,
and other sociodemographic factors; (2)Methods: A cross-sectional study (N = 597; 18.99 0.64 years)
was conducted in a sample of university students from Ceuta, Melilla, and Granada (Spain). Religious
beliefs and place of residence were directly reported, while physical activity and adherence to the
MD were self-reported using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and
the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) respectively. Self-concept was evaluated using
the Five-Factor Self-Concept Scale; (3) Results: Of those students reporting high levels of habitual
physical activity, 82.3% also reported high adherence to the MD, with 17.7% reporting a medium
adherence. Of students reporting no physical activity, 25.7% also reported medium adherence
to the MD. No significant associations were found between the MD and religious beliefs. It was
observed that the university campus was associated with the level of adherence to the MD (p = 0.030),
with adherence being lowest in Ceuta and Melilla. Finally, the MD was associated with academic
(p = 0.001) and physical self-concept (p = 0.005); 4) Conclusions: The MD should be promoted to
university students, particularly those studying at Ceuta and Melilla, given the present findings of
lower MD adherence. In addition, as higher MD adherence was also highlighted with more positive
self-concept, its promotion would be beneficial in wider educational contexts.