Effect of a multicomponent intervention on adherence to the Mediterranean diet in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Background The Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of the dietary patterns with the strongest evidence for preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging. However, adherence to it is declining among the older population in Spain, in parallel with the rise in Westernized eating patterns. In this context, community-based interventions and the development of culinary skills are emerging as promising strategies for improving dietary quality and promoting healthy habits. Objective To evaluate the effect of a multi-component intervention compared with a traditional group educational talk, on adherence to the MD and clinical parameters in people aged 60 and over. Methods An experimental, randomized, controlled study was conducted with two parallel groups, in adults aged 60 years and older in Salamanca. The main variable was adherence to the MD and clinical parameters and sociodemographic variables such as secondary variables. Results The sample comprised 130 participants. Linear mixed-effects modeling demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in MEDAS score over time in the intervention group than in the control group (group × time interaction: p = 0.027). Descriptively, the intervention group showed particularly favorable improvements in their consumption of extra virgin olive oil, fruit, vegetables and pulses, alongside a reduction in ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks. Conclusion The multi-component intervention was more effective than a traditional educational talk in improving adherence to the Mediterranean diet among community-dwelling older adults. Improvements were maintained over the three-month follow-up period.