Diet is well established as a way of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been observed as being protective against many CVDs, and is dietary principles are encouraged in secondary prevention(1). Previous studies have suggested that socioeconomic status may be an important determinant of health(Reference Darmon and Drewnowski2) with higher education associated with greater adherence to a MD(Reference Hu, Toledo and Diez-Espino3). The aim of the present study was to determine if a higher educational status was associated with a higher a Mediterranean Diet score (MDS) in a group of very high risk individuals. Secondary aims were to determine overall adherence to the MD, blood lipid levels and overall nutrient intake.
Recruitment of participants was from a population of males and females that attended a cardiac support group in Chester, UK. A total of 65 participants were screened for study eligibility. Those meeting entry criteria of MI, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with or without stent were assessed for adherence to the MD using a validated 14-point questionnaire. Dietary intake was determined using the EPIC-Norfolk FFQ. Capillary blood was analysed for total-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TAG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and non-HDL-C, respectively). Educational status was classified as either completing school (SC) or having attended college and university (further education [FE]). All ethical procedures were approved by the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Clinical Sciences research ethics committee.
Of those identified (n 18), 17 were willing to participate in the study. The majority of participants (n 14) were male. Overall adherence to the MD was poor, determined by a low MD score (MDS). No significant difference in MDS was found between SC and FE groups. Similarly there was no significant difference in TC, LDL-C HDL-C and non-HDL between SC and FE groups. There was also no significant difference in MUFA, PUFA and SFA intake between the SC and FE groups from the data collected in the FFQ.
SC, school; FE, further education; MDS, Mediterranean diet score; LDL-C low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-HDL-C, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol
In conclusion, our results suggest poor adherence to a Mediterranean diet pattern in a group of individuals classed as very high risk. In our population, educational status appeared to not be linked with MDS.
