Evaluation of the relationship of Mediterranean diet compliance with healthy eating attitude and phase angle in university students

Adequate and balanced nutrition is important for protection of health, prevention of chronic diseases. The Mediterranean diet, is nutritionally adequate, balanced, sustainable and actively modulate cell membrane properties. "Phase Angle" is used as indicator of cell membrane integrity, morbidity and mortality in various diseases. This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between healthy eating attitude and phase angle of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in students and was actualized with university students aged 18-33 between August-September 2022. Sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional and physical activity habits, disease status, anthropometric measurements were recorded in the questionnaire. The adaptation of individuals to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated with "Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale" and attitudes towards nutrition with "Attitude Healthy Eating Scale". Of individuals are 8.3% underweight, 66.7% normal, 25% slightly overweight and obese. The median phase angle of women's 6.07°, men's 7.3°, of all individuals is 6.26°. The mean score of the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale of individuals was 6, the Attitudes Healthy Eating Scale was determined as 74.3. The phase angle cut-off point was found to be ≥5.94 with Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale and Attitude Healthy Eating Scale. It was observed that the phase angle had a diagnostic value in predicting adherence to the Mediterranean diet, but this was not significant. A significant positive correlation was determined between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and healthy eating attitude. Consequently, phase angle evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis in individuals can be used as an indicator in the evaluation of cell health and quality nutrition.