The Correlation of Eating Fish with Healthy Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Profile among Children and Adolescents in Greece

Background: Frequent fish consumption is considered a key component of a healthy diet, highlighting the importance of promoting it from an early age. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of fish consumption and identify associated lifestyle factors.Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study, data from a representative sample of ۱۷۷,۰۹۱ Greek schoolchildren aged ۸-۱۷ years were enrolled. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents (KIDMED) was used to assess fish intake and dietary habits; while physical activity, screen time, and sleeping habits were evaluated through self-completed questionnaires. Anthropometric and physical fitness variables were measured by physical education teachers.Results: More boys than girls (۵۰.۱% vs. ۴۶.۶%, p<۰.۰۰۱) consumed fish at least ۲-۳ times weekly and had better anthropometric and aerobic fitness measurements, healthier dietary habits, decreased screen time, and slept more than non-consumers (all p<۰.۰۱). Consuming fish was strongly correlated with eating diets rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy products, and olive oil. The likelihood of eating fish decreased by ۱% for boys and ۵% for girls for each year increase of age. Those who were overweight/obese were ۱۴% less likely to eat fish frequently. The odds of consuming fish decreased by ۳۷% and ۱۳%, respectively, with increased screen time and insufficient sleep, while inadequate physical activity level reduced the odds of consuming fish frequently by ۲۳%.Conclusion: Increased fish consumption was linked to a healthier lifestyle profile in both sexes. A healthy approach to regular fish eating might be devised, such as nutritional school programs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fish ، children ، Adolescents ، Dietary habits ، Lifestyle ، Greece