The Relationship Between Socio-Demographic and Behavioral Characteristics and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: The UniFoodWaste Study Among University Students in Italy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with improved health outcomes, however limited evidence exists on the socio-demographic and behavioral determinants of MD adherence among university students, a population at risk of developing unhealthy habits during a critical life stage.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2697 students (70.6% female) enrolled at a university in Northern Italy. MD adherence was measured using the validated Medi-Lite score. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to identify socio-demographic and behavioral associations with high adherence to the MD (score ≥12). Principal component analysis was performed to explore multivariate patterns across dietary components and participant character

SUBMITTER: Pinto A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12452464 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature