Multi-Morbidity and Mediterranean Diet in the Cypriot population

Abstract

Introduction

Knowledge about factors associated with multi-morbidity in a given population has important implications for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis strategies.

Objectives

To examine the association of Mediterranean diet with multi-morbidity in the adult general population of Cyprus.

Methods

A representative sample of n = 1142 Cypriots over 18 years old was recruited during 2018-2019. Multi-morbidity was assessed using a validated questionnaire and diseases were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11). Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the MedDiet score tool which included the weekly consumption of non-refined cereals, fruit, vegetables, legumes, potatoes, fish, meat and meat products, poultry, full fat dairy products, as well as olive oil and alcohol intake.

Results

The average Mediterranean diet score was 15.5 ± 4.0 with males adhering more to the Mediterranean diet compared to females (p < 0.001). Being in the higher tertile of adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower odds of multi-morbidity at α = 0.10, even after adjusting for age, gender, educational status, smoking habits, and physical activity (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.49, 1.06, p = 0.09), compared to the lower tertile.

Conclusions

To the best to our knowledge, this is the first study which provides evidence of an association between Mediterranean diet and multi-morbidity. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was associated with lower risk of multi-morbidity. Future prevention programs and practice guidelines in Cyprus and elsewhere should take into account the beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet on multi-morbidity.

Key messages

• This study provides the first evidence of an association between Mediterranean diet and multi-morbidity.

• health benefits in terms of multiple chronic diseases in an individual can be gained from Mediterranean diet pattern.