Turkish adaptation and evaluation of the validity and reliability of the Mediterranean diet quality index 2.0

Aim: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the validity and reliability of the Turkish adaptation of the updated Mediterranean Diet Quality Index 2.0 (KIDMED 2.0) and to evaluate university students' adherence to KIDMED 2.0 and the sociodemographic characteristics that may influence their diet. Material and Method: This methodological study was conducted with the participation of 282 university students in 2024. The test-retest reliability of the KIDMED 2.0 was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and internal consistency coefficient. Cohen's Kappa coefficient with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to evaluate the reliability of individual items. A 7-day diet record was taken to assess its validity. Results: The initial test-retest reliability and the initial test and dietary record validity showed Cohen's kappa coefficient at a substantial level (respectively Ƙ=0.634, Ƙ=0.616) (p<0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) indicated a high level of reliability (ICC = 0.894; p<0.001). The adherence of participants (median age: 21 [20–22]) to the KIDMED 2.0 was classified as low in 142 participants (50.4%), moderate in 108 (38.3%), and high in 32 (11.3%). KIDMED 2.0 has identified a relationship between chronic disease, perceived health status, self-reported life ladder, quality of life, and label reading habits. Conclusion: The updated Turkish version of the KIDMED 2.0 was found to be a valid and reliable assessment tool. Participants adherence to the Mediterranean diet was generally low. This finding underscores the public health importance of promoting healthy eating habits and encouraging adherence to the Mediterranean diet.