Background

The Mediterranean diet is considered a healthy dietary pattern associated with substantial health benefits. While its application at global level is rather difficult due to the intricate features eradicated into the cultural heritage of populations living in countries facing the Mediterranean basin, its preservation in such areas is considered crucial to maintain a good health status of current and future generations.

Objective

To assess the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents living in 5 Mediterranean countries participating in the DELICIOUS project.

Methods

An online survey was conducted involving 2011 parents of children and adolescents from Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, and Portugal. The KIDMED score applied to 24-h recalls of their children's diets was used to assess the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cross-references with background and lifestyle …