Evaluation of the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) in adolescents in Turkey

Abstract

This study has been carried out for the purpose of determining nutrition habits of adolescents who join selections for national basketball team and evaluating nutrition condition by means of KIDMED index (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index) which is a quick, easy and valid means. 785 male adolescents between 11-14 ages participated in the study. General characteristics, applications about nutrition habits of the participators have been determined by using a questionnaire of 16 questions including Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED). Furthermore, heights (cm) and weights (kg) of the participators have been measured, BMI (Body mass index-kg/m²) values of them have been calculated and they have been contrasted with standard BMI values. In statistical evaluation of data, SPSS 15.0 statistics packaged program has been used. The average age of the participators is 12.7 ± 0.6 year (11-14), weight is 58.9 ± 12.9 kg (31.30-103.8), height is 160 ± 10 cm (130-190) and BMI (Body mass index) average is 20.3 ± 2.8 kg/m² (14.0-32.1). It is determined that the most missed meal is lunch and then the second one is breakfast. According to evaluation of healthy eating index, 55.7% of the participators are in poor diet quality. Although diet quality of the participators is in medium and good level, it is concluded that informing on nutrition is needed.