Functional food awareness and mediterranean diet adherence in healthcare and non-healthcare workers

Abstract

Introduction: Functional foods and adherence to the Mediterranean diet are strongly associated with improved prevention of chronic diseases. This study aims to compare functional food awareness and Mediterranean diet adherence between healthcare and non-healthcare professionals. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted with 195 volunteers aged 18-65 employed at a private company. Data collection was performed via face-to-face surveys using a demographic information form, the Functional Foods Knowledge Scale, and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Assessment Scale (MEDAS). Results: Healthcare professionals had significantly higher scores than non-healthcare professionals in both adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS: 8.07 (1.75) vs. 7.53 (1.77); p = 0.032) and functional food knowledge (FFKS: 20.54 (6.21) vs. 17.61 (6.73); p = 0.002). Demographic variables (age, gender, and education) were not significant predictors for either of these outcomes, with the models showing minimal explanatory power (R² ≤ 0.073; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Elevated levels of nutrition knowledge, health literacy, and awareness among healthcare professionals may be associated with greater functional food knowledge and superior adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Funding: This study was self-funded by the authors.