The Effect of Parental Education on Mediterranean Diet Adherence among School Children in Shiraz, Southern Iran

Background: Recent changes in the actual Mediterranean diet include a reduced energy intake and a higher consumption of foods with low nutrient density. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of parental education on Mediterranean diet adherence among school children inShiraz, Southern Iran.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, ۱۵۰ male ۱۲-۱۵ years school children in Shiraz, southern Iran were enrolled. Children and their parents completed standardized questionnaires, which evaluated parents’ educational level and dietary habits. Anthropometric indices including weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference were measured. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed. Data fro ۸۶ items food frequency questionnaire were used to calculate the score.Results: Totally, ۱۲.۳% of children had high adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Logistic regression showed that adolescents’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a significant relationship with the level of parent’s education (p Conclusion: It was shown that adolescents’ compliance with the Mediterranean diet had a significant relationship with the parents’ educational level. The higher the level of parents’ education, the moreassociation with Mediterranean diet compliance was visible.

Keywords:

Adherence , Mediterranean diet , Parental education , children , Iran