HERMEX BMC.sav

Background

The
Mediterranean Diet (MD) is recognized as heart-healthy, but the economic cost
associated with this type of diet has scarcely been studied.

The
objective of the present study is to explore the cost and adherence of a low-income
region population to the MD and its relationship with income.

Methods

A
population-based study was carried out on 2,833 subjects between 25 and 79
years of age, 54% women, selected at random from the municipalities of Vegas
Altas, La Siberia and La Serena in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura (Spain).

Average
monthly cost of each product included in the MD was computed and related to
adherence to the MD using the Panagiotakos Index and average disposable income.

Results

The
monthly median cost was 203.6€ (IQR: 154.04-265.37). Food-related expenditure
was higher for men (p<0.001), age cohort between 45 and 54 years
(p<0.013) and those living in urban areas (p<0.001). A positive
correlation between food-related expenditure and the MD adherence was found. Monthly
median cost represents 15% of average disposable income, ranging between 11%
for the group with low MD adherence and 17% for the group with high MD
adherence.

Conclusions

The monthly cost of the MD was positively correlated with the degree of
adherence to this dietary pattern. Given that the estimated monthly cost is
similar to that of other Spanish regions with a higher income level, the
economic effort required to be able to afford the Mediterranean diet is higher.
This may represent a barrier to access, which should be analyzed in detail by public
decision-makers.