Comparison of Mediterranean diet adherence across scoring systems in U.S. adults

<p>The Mediterranean diet is characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and seafood; moderate intake of dairy, lean proteins, and alcohol; and low intake of red meat and sweets. This pattern consistently correlates with health benefits in epidemiological research, which uses numerous scoring systems to measure diet adherence. No withinpopulation system comparisons have been conducted in the U.S. to understand how differences in system constructs may impact adherence measurement. This study used food intake data from a U.S. sample of 72 older adults to calculate scores with the Alternative Mediterranean Diet Scale, Mediterranean Diet Scale, Pyramid-Based Mediterranean Diet Score, Mediterranean Eating Pattern for Americans, Literature-Based Adherence Score, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence Score. All systems correlated at least moderately, with differences amongst food group scorings. Total scores were categorized into adherence levels based on previous literature. Differences in scoring methods affected comparability of systems for a U.S. population.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Year dc:date.available

2023

Author dc:creator

• Pendleton, Meghan

Contributors dc:contributor

• Heather Hutchins-Wiese, PhD, RD, Chair
• Olivia Ford, PhD, RD
• John Carbone, PhD, RD

• Dietary assessment;Dietary pattern scoring system;Mediterranean diet;Mediterranean diet adherence;Mediterranean lifestyle

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1203

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2567