Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours Concerning the Mediterranean Diet Among Older Adults in Australia

Abstract

Despite the growing body of evidence demonstrating the positive health effects of the Mediterranean diet, it is not routinely recommended in practice and adherence is low in the general population in Australia. The knowledge-attitude-behaviour model explains how health behaviours are supported through a process of acquiring knowledge, developing attitudes, and forming behaviours. Evidence has suggested that having a high level of nutrition-related knowledge is associated with more positive attitudes, which is directly linked to positive dietary behaviours. However, reports of knowledge and attitudes towards the Mediterranean diet, and how these directly relate to behaviours in older adults, are lacking. This study explored Mediterranean diet-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among community-dwelling older adults in Australia. Participants were adults aged 55 years and older who completed an online survey that contained three parts: (a) knowledge – Mediterranean Diet Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (Med-NKQ); (b) nutrition-related attitudes and behaviours, and barriers and enablers to dietary change; (c) demographics. The sample included 61 adults who ranged in age from 55 to 89 years. The overall knowledge score was 30.5 out of a possible 40 points, with 60.7% classified as having a high level of knowledge. Knowledge was lowest for nutrient content and label reading. Attitudes and behaviours were generally positive and were not associated with level of knowledge. The most common barriers to dietary change were perceived cost and lack of knowledge, and motivational factors. There are a number of key gaps in knowledge that should be addressed through targeted educational programs. Strategies and tools to overcome perceived barriers and improve self-efficacy are needed to facilitate positive dietary behaviours.

Association between Mediterranean diet and dementia and Alzheimer disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis

“…These data prompt reflections in terms of public health. Specifically, if spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased adherence to the MedDiet [ 74 ], public health strategies should focus not only on greater nutrition education closely tied to the characteristics of the MedDiet itself [ 75 , 76 ]; but also, on promoting policies that facilitate adherence to the MedDiet in all settings. In this regard, much is being done to facilitate the availability of healthy food options for consumption during meals outside the home [ 77 ].…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to dietary salt intake and the acceptability of salt substitute among the Australian culturally and linguistically diverse community: An online survey

“…The survey was designed by a research team with backgrounds in clinical practice and public health ( Supplementary File ). It was expected that the number of survey responses for the study would fall between 100 28 , 29 , 30 and 200 13 , 31 based on previous surveys examining knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding dietary intake. A 28‐item self‐administered semi‐quantitative open survey design was developed and modelled on an existing salt related survey.…”

Building Medication Profiles in the Elderly: a Qualitative Study Based on Medication Information Literacy in a Long-Term Care Facility

“…The KAB model posits that an individual’s knowledge about a health issue influences their attitudes towards it, subsequently shaping their behaviors in response. 18 , 19 Within the realm of medication management, an individual’s medication information literacy encompasses both their knowledge and attitudes regarding medications. By leveraging the behavioral component of the KAB model, we explore how knowledge and attitudes translate into intentions and actions regarding medication management among elderly long-term care residents.…”