PD940 - AGE DIFFERENCES IN MEDITERRANEAN DIET ADHERENCE AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN DALMATIA COUNTY

PD940

AGE DIFFERENCES IN MEDITERRANEAN DIET ADHERENCE AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN DALMATIA COUNTY

M. Selak^1,2, E. Kolak Gaurina^1,2, L. Štrbac^1,2, L. Štrkalj², M. Pleština^1,2,*, K. Blažević^1,2, D. Bučan Nenadić^1,2

¹Nutrition and Dietetics Department, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, ²Croatian Association of Nutritionists, Zagreb, Croatia

Rationale: Preschool age is a crucial period for establishing healthy dietary habits that influence growth and nutrition. Children's food consumption is shaped by availability, preferences, and family practices, which vary with age, while adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) supports healthy growth. This study examines adherence to the MD among preschool children in Split-Dalmatia County and explores age-related differences in dietary habits and nutritional status.

Methods: The study included 429 preschool children aged 4–7 years (221 boys [51.5%] and 208 girls [48.5%]). Dietary habits were assessed using the KIDMED index, completed by a dietitian and parents. Anthropometric measures – age, sex, body weight, height, waist circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference – were recorded, 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. Total KIDMED scores did not differ by age. The youngest children (aged 3 years) had the highest daily vegetable intake (p=0.04) and fish consumption at least 2–3 times per week (p=0.04). Dairy consumption at breakfast decreased with age (p=0.04), while breakfast skipping increased among older children (aged 6–7 years; p=0.03). Children aged 4–5 years had the highest sweets consumption several times daily (p=0.05). Height, weight, waist circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference increased significantly with age (p<0.001), but BMI and Z-scores showed no differences.

Conclusion: Significant age-related differences in KIDMED-assessed dietary habits were observed among preschoolers in Split-Dalmatia County, attributed to increasing autonomy and independence in eating behaviours. This highlights early childhood as a crucial period for targeted nutritional interventions

Disclosure of Interest: None declared