Adherence to the mediterranean food pattern in a population with low income

Abstract

Introduction: Portugal is a country of Mediterranean tradition, where the Mediterranean Food Pattern is relevant and recognized as a healthy eating model. However, over the years, a gradual decrease in adhesion is noticeable. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess adherence to the Mediterranean Food Standard according to monthly income. Materials and Methods: A descriptive observational study was carried out with users of nutrition consultations at the Moita and Montijo Primary Health Care Unit. The individual monthly income or family income per capita of each participant was evaluated through a sociodemographic questionnaire. Adherence to the Mediterranean Food Standard was assessed using the PREDIMED instrument. Statistical analysis was also performed using the Mann-Whitney test and the Chi-square test, with a significance of 5%. Results: In a total sample of 43 participants, 30% showed good adherence to the Mediterranean Food Standard. There was also an important difference in adhesion to the Mediterranean food pattern according to income: 64% adhesion in the “High income” population versus 14% adherence in the “Low income” population. Greater adherence to all food groups characteristic of this food pattern was also noticeable by the “High income” population. Conclusion: It was concluded that the “High income” population has a greater adherence to the Mediterranean Food Standard and to all its characteristic foods, in comparison with the “Low income” population.