Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in a Portuguese Immigrant Community in the Central Valley of California

• Main Authors: Roberto M. Couto, Andrew D. Frugé, Michael W. Greene
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-06-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: Mediterranean diet; adherence; Portuguese immigrants; California
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/6/1989

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is a healthy eating pattern associated with a better quality of life among older adults and reduced risk of non-communicable diseases. Little is known about the MedDiet in immigrant communities from countries in which the MedDiet is a settled cultural heritage. Thus, we examined MedDiet adherence and perceived knowledge, benefits, and barriers to the MedDiet in a Portuguese immigrant community in Turlock, California. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 208 participants in Turlock and Livermore, California, which was used as a reference population. Univariate, multivariable, and logistic regression models were used for data analysis. Compared to the Livermore group, the Turlock group was younger and less educated, but had a higher average MedDiet score and active adherence to a MedDiet (<i>p</i> < 0.001 for both). In the Turlock group, convenience, sensory appeal, and health were observed to be significant barriers to the MedDiet (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while health, weight loss, natural content, familiarity, price, sensory appeal, and mood were significant benefit factors (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In conclusion, participants in Turlock had greater MedDiet adherence despite lower education attainment. Furthermore, the perceived benefits of the MedDiet were key factors in MedDiet perception and adherence in a Portuguese immigrant community.