The aim of this study was to assess the influence of some sociodemographic factors on the adherence of students at the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda to the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern (MDP), using the PREDIMED scale. The sample consisted of 316 students, mostly female and with an average age of 20.6 years.
Although 84.8% of respondents said they knew about the MDP and 86.1% said they adopted it, only 15.8% actually demonstrated behaviours compatible with this pattern according to the PREDIMED scale. This mismatch suggests an incorrect perception or lack of knowledge of the specific MDP criteria.
A summary analysis of the results of the PREDIMED scale revealed low adherence to the consumption of wine, oleaginous fruits and fish, essential components of the MDP, although olive oil as the main fat and the consumption of vegetables and cereals were prevalent.
With regard to sociodemographic factors per se, the study did not show a close relationship between greater adherence to the MDP in relation to age, gender, geographical location of origin, type of course and parents’ schooling, which may suggest that there are other factors, such as lifestyle in an academic context, group influences and day-to-day management, which may have a greater impact on students’ eating habits.
