Socioeconomic, Behavioral, and Anthropometric Determinants of Mediterranean Diet Quality Among Turkish Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Jiyan Aslan Ceylan; Aylin Bayındır Gümüş; Sevinç Eşer Durmaz

doi:10.31067/acusaglik.1762336

Socioeconomic, Behavioral, and Anthropometric Determinants of Mediterranean Diet Quality Among Turkish Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescence represents a critical period for establishing lifelong healthy dietary behaviors; however, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) during this stage remains suboptimal and is affected by various factors. This study aimed to evaluate adherence to MedDiet in Turkish adolescents and investigate its associations with socioeconomic status, eating habits, and anthropometric measurements. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 273 high school students (mean age 15.5 ± 1.1 years). Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire that encompassed sections on general information, eating habits, and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED). Anthropometric data were also measured by the researchers. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Participants were nearly divided by socioeconomic status (48.7% low, 51.3% high). The mean KIDMED score was 3.5±2.5, indicating moderate adherence in 49.4% of the sample. No significant differences in KIDMED classification were observed across socioeconomic groups (χ²=2.322, p=0.313). Adolescents consuming three main meals per day had significantly higher KIDMED scores (4.2±2.3) than those consuming two meals (2.8±2.4; t=-4.866, p<0.001). Students who ate at school or brought lunch boxes exhibited higher KIDMED scores compared to their counterparts who did not (p<0.05). There were significant differences in anthropometric distributions by socioeconomic groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that meal frequency and school-related eating habits are positively associated with MedDiet adherence in adolescents, whereas socioeconomic status and anthropometric measures do not appear to exert significant influence.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Public Health Nutrition

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Jiyan Aslan Ceylan ^*
0000-0003-1649-3586
Türkiye

Aylin Bayındır Gümüş
0000-0002-1311-2429
Türkiye

Sevinç Eşer Durmaz
0000-0002-2425-1715
Türkiye

Publication Date

January 16, 2026

Submission Date

August 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 5, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: January, February, March 2026

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31067/acusaglik.1762336

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA82MR78SG

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

EndNote

Aslan Ceylan J, Bayındır Gümüş A, Eşer Durmaz S (January 1, 2026) Socioeconomic, Behavioral, and Anthropometric Determinants of Mediterranean Diet Quality Among Turkish Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 January, February, March 2026