Abstract
Purpose
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) refers to an individual’s perception and subjective evaluation of their health and
well-being within their unique cultural environment. HRQOL in relation to adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in adolescents
has not been adequately investigated in the past. The aim of this study was to examine the association between adherence to
the Mediterranean diet and health-related quality of life in Greek adolescents.
well-being within their unique cultural environment. HRQOL in relation to adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) in adolescents
has not been adequately investigated in the past. The aim of this study was to examine the association between adherence to
the Mediterranean diet and health-related quality of life in Greek adolescents.
Methods
A total of 359 students (166 boys; 193 girls), 13–16 years old, were recruited from 13 high schools in the area of Athens
and the Dodecanese. Standard anthropometric measurements were taken, and obesity was assessed using the International Obesity
Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. Students completed the KIDMED index, which evaluates the degree of adherence to the MD.
Perceived HRQOL was assessed by the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire for children and adolescents.
and the Dodecanese. Standard anthropometric measurements were taken, and obesity was assessed using the International Obesity
Task Force (IOTF) cut-off points. Students completed the KIDMED index, which evaluates the degree of adherence to the MD.
Perceived HRQOL was assessed by the KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire for children and adolescents.
Results
Adherence to the MD seems to be significantly positively correlated with all the components and total score of HRQOL, in adolescents.
Linear regression analysis has revealed that the level of adherence to the MD (P < 0.001), the level maternal education (P < 0.05) and the number of meals per day consumed with the family (P = 0.001) are significantly positively associated with HRQOL in adolescents.
Linear regression analysis has revealed that the level of adherence to the MD (P < 0.001), the level maternal education (P < 0.05) and the number of meals per day consumed with the family (P = 0.001) are significantly positively associated with HRQOL in adolescents.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s11136-012-0219-2
- Authors
- V. Costarelli, Human Ecology Laboratory, Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University of Athens, 70, El. Venizelou Ave, Kallithea, 17671 Athens, Greece
- E. Koretsi, Human Ecology Laboratory, Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University of Athens, 70, El. Venizelou Ave, Kallithea, 17671 Athens, Greece
- E. Georgitsogianni, Human Ecology Laboratory, Department of Home Economics and Ecology, Harokopio University of Athens, 70, El. Venizelou Ave, Kallithea, 17671 Athens, Greece
- Journal Quality of Life Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2649
- Print ISSN 0962-9343