Background:

chronic non-communicable diseases represent a challenge for public health, and the Mediterranean diet (MD) has been identified as an alternative for their prevention.

Aim:

the study aimed to evaluate, in a sample of the adult population of the Comunitat Valenciana, the association between lifestyle and sociodemographic factors with high adherence to MD.

Methods:

a cross-sectional study of a sample (n = 2,728) representative of the population ≥ 16 years of age. The data were collected from the Comunitat Valenciana Nutrition Survey 2010-11. MD adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener questionnaire. The association of the variables with high MD adherence was tested using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, determining the crude and adjusted odds ratios.

Results:

a multivariate analysis showed that age, type of cohabitation, country of birth, eating between meals, and smoking were associated with high adherence to MD. The age groups of 45-64 years and 65 years or older showed the greatest association with high adherence to MD in both sexes. Living with a partner was positively associated with high adherence to MD in men, women, and the age group of 45-64 years.

Conclusion:

a generational loss of MD adherence was observed. Younger people and those who do not live with a partner showed the highest risk of not adhering to the Mediterranean dietary pattern.

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