LB043 - DIFFERENCES IN DIET QUALITY, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES BY RELIGIOSITY AMONG ISRAELI JEWS

LB043

DIFFERENCES IN DIET QUALITY, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASURES BY RELIGIOSITY AMONG ISRAELI JEWS

R. Doyev^1,*, M. Boaz¹, C. Sakkal²

¹Nutrition Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, ²Nutrition and Dietetics , Leumit Health Services., Tel Aviv, Israel

Rationale: Religiosity has been linked to health outcomes, potentially mediated by dietary behaviors, yet evidence in Israeli Jews is limited.

Objectives: To examine differences in diet quality by self‑reported religiosity (Haredi vs. non‑Haredi) among Israeli Jewish adults, and to assess associations with quality of life, anthropometric measures, and food security.

Methods: A cross‑sectional study is being conducted among 1,500 adults from Leumit Health Services. Participants report religiosity, diet quality (I‑MEDAS), food security, quality of life (EQ‑5D‑5L), chronic diseases, and anthropometrics. Preliminary analyses include 1,175 participants.

Results: Among participants (59% female; median age 48), 26.4% were Haredi. Compared with non‑Haredi participants, Haredi individuals were younger, had lower education and socioeconomic status, and were more often married. They reported less frequent eating out, more daily family meals, and less online food shopping (p<0.001). Diet quality scores were lower among Haredi participants, with lower intake of fruits, whole grains, nuts, and alcohol, and higher intake of sugar‑sweetened beverages, pastries, and processed snacks, alongside higher consumption of fish and legumes. No differences were observed in food security. However, Haredi participants reported higher quality of life and lower anxiety (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Religiosity is associated with distinct dietary and psychosocial patterns among Israeli Jews. Haredi participants showed lower overall diet quality but more favorable quality‑of‑life indicators. These findings highlight complex relationships between religiosity, nutrition, and well‑being, and may inform culturally tailored public health strategies.

Disclosure of Interest: R. Doyev Grant / Research Support from: The study was supported by a grant from Ariel University – Leumit Health Services Foundation, based on Leumit Health Services database., M. Boaz Other: No conflict of interest, C. Sakkal Other: No conflict of interest