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Many studies revealed positive health impacts of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), especially on metabolic disorders. Conversely, in Lebanon, recent information about determinants of adherence to the MedDiet are limited. This study aimed to examine the individual determinants of MedDiet adherence among adults in Lebanon.

A cross-sectional study was carried out during July 2021 among a convenient sample of 326 Lebanese adults. Data from participants were collected via an online survey developed by study researchers, composed of two well-structured questionnaires: a background questionnaire and a 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (14-MEDAS).

The mean MedDiet score in the total sample was 7.59 ± 2.22, reflecting moderate/fair MedDiet adherence. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and olive oil met the recommended MedDiet intake among most participants. Older age and having a regular routine of physical activity emerged as significant independent determinants of better MedDiet adherence.

Future public health interventions aiming at promoting MedDiet adherence shall target predominantly younger age groups of the Lebanese population and incorporate strategies to boost physical activity among target groups.

This study aims to assess nutrition knowledge (NK) and willingness to seek nutritional counseling (WSNC) and their predictors among university students in Lebanon.

A cross-sectional design was used to enroll students from two large private universities in Lebanon. Data were collected by a standardized questionnaire. NK scores on general and specific nutrition areas were computed. The predictors of NK and WSNC were determined by multivariable logistic regression analyses.

A total of 370 students were included, among which 68% had good general nutritional knowledge, which appears to be associated with being a pharmacy student (adjusted OR (aOR) = 4.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55; 11.7]), and having a dietitian as a reference for nutritional information (aOR = 8.84 [95% CI 1.94; 40.3]). However, 64% of participants had a high specific nutritional knowledge score, which was related to either attending a school of arts and sciences or being a pharmacy student (aOR = 10.8 [95% CI 4.08; 28.5]). Most students (80%) had the will to seek nutritional counseling, which was positively associated with being a female (aOR = 2.01 [95% CI 1.10; 3.67]) and a pharmacy student (aOR = 2.62 [95% CI 1.15; 5.95]). The general nutritional knowledge score was significantly associated with the WSNC (aOR = 2.10 [95% CI 1.04; 4.25]).

Higher nutritional knowledge and WSNC were found among students enrolled in health-related fields. These results underline how important nutrition education is as a strategy for inspiring college students to adopt healthy lifestyles.