Sep 5, 2026
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PD925 - ADHERENCE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN FROM DALMATIA COUNTY: SEX-BASED DIFFERENCES
PD925
ADHERENCE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN FROM DALMATIA COUNTY: SEX-BASED DIFFERENCES
E. Kolak Gaurina1,2, M. Selak1,2, L. Štrbac1,2,*, M. Pleština1,2, K. Blažević1,2, D. Bučan Nenadić1,2
1Nutrition and Dietetics Department, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, 2Croatian Association of Nutritionists, Zagreb, Croatia
Rationale: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among children in Mediterranean countries has declined in recent decades, replaced by Western‑style eating, and is associated with rising rates of overweight and obesity and poorer health‑related quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess MD adherence, with a focus on sex‑based differences, among preschool‑aged children in Split-Dalmatia County.
Methods: The study included 429 preschool-aged children, comprising 221 (51.5%) boys and 208 (48.5%) girls, aged 4 to 7 years. Dietary habits were assessed using the KIDMED index, completed by a dietitian and the children’s parents. Data on age, sex, body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and mid-upper arm circumference were collected for each child, and Z-scores were calculated.
Results: 166 children (38.9%) showed good adherence to the principles of the MD according to the KIDMED index, while 240 (56%) and 23 (5%) showed average and poor adherence, respectively. No significant sex differences were found in the total KIDMED score; however, significantly more boys skipped breakfast (p=0.02) and consumed two or more servings of yoghurt and cheese daily (p=0.05). Among the children, 92 (21.5%) were either overweight or obese, while 54 (12.6%) were underweight. No differences in nutritional status were observed across KIDMED categories, except for WC, which was significantly higher in boys (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The study found minimal sex differences in adherence to the MD, likely because the preschool setting provided 3 to 4 daily meals, resulting in relatively similar dietary patterns. However, overall KIDMED scores remained low to moderate, while a high proportion of children were overweight or obese, or underweight, indicating a clear need for early, family-centred interventions to promote healthier eating among preschool-aged children.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared