AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightConclusion: Nutrition literacy and physical activity were independently associated with healthier nutrition attitudes among young adults, highlighting their relevance in the context of nutrition-related health promotion.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: Nutrition literacy and attitudes toward healthy nutrition are increasingly recognized as factors associated with dietary behavior, including adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). However, studies examining these three constructs together, particularly among young adults, remain limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between adherence to the MD, nutrition literacy, and healthy nutrition attitudes, and to identify the factors independently associated with healthy nutrition attitudes. Methods: A total of 296 young adults (aged 18-30 years) participated in this cross-sectional study and were recruited through convenience sampling from Erzurum and Kırıkkale, two provinces in Turkiye. Data were collected using face-to-face questionnaires, including the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), The Short Form of the Nutrition Literacy Scale for Young Adults (S-NutLit), and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN). The statistical evaluation of the data was carried out using parametric and nonparametric tests, Chi-square tests, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Of the participants, 62.8% had acceptable adherence to the MD, and 63.5% self-reported ≥150 minutes of physical activity per week. Male participants had significantly higher total ASHN and positive nutrition (PN) subscale scores than females (p=0.014 and p=0.004, respectively). The S-NutLit score correlated positively with both MEDAS (p<0.01) and ASHN (p<0.001) scores. In multiple linear regression analysis, S-NutLit showed the strongest independent association with ASHN scores (β=0.384, p<0.001), followed by physical activity (β=0.129, p=0.020), whereas age, gender, BMI, and MEDAS scores were not significantly associated with ASHN scores. Conclusion: Nutrition literacy and physical activity were independently associated with healthier nutrition attitudes among young adults, highlighting their relevance in the context of nutrition-related health promotion.