Original scientific paper
MEDITERANEAN DIET PRACTICES AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AMONG STUDENTS OF HEALTH STUDIES FROM MOSTAR, SARAJEVO AND SPLIT
Amina Šeta
orcid.org/0000-0002-3697-8006
; University SSST, Unimed Polyclinic, Hrasnička cesta 3a, 71210, Ilidža, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*
Senka Dinarević
; Academy of Arts and Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bistrik 7, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Arzija Pašalić
; University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Health Studies, Stjepana Tomića 1, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nihad Fejzić
orcid.org/0000-0002-3310-6835
; University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Irena Drmić Hofman
; University of Split, University Department of Health Studies, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
Lutvo Sporišević
orcid.org/0000-0002-8075-961X
; Health Center of Sarajevo Canton, Vrazova 11, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ljerka Ostojić
; Academy of Arts and Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bistrik 7, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ivan Ćavar
; University of Mostar, Faculty of Medicine, Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. bb Bijeli Brijeg, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Antonela Matana
; University of Split, University Department of Health Studies, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
Mario Merendić
orcid.org/0000-0002-2968-1175
; University of Split, University Department of Health Studies, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia
Mirela Lisičić-Konaković
orcid.org/0000-0002-0112-6030
; Health Center of Sarajevo Canton, Vrazova 11, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Anes Jogunčić
; Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tahtali sokak 17, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Aida Pilav
orcid.org/0000-0002-6765-0812
; Institute for Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tahtali sokak 17, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: The Mediterranean diet has been demonstrated to confer significant benefits in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. This study represents the first collaborative effort between researchers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia to examine the effects of the Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean dietary patterns on cardiovascular risk factors within the student population. The primary objective was to identify specific dietary behaviors and patterns that may contribute to a cardiovascular risk reduction. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 and included 473 students from health studies faculties in three cities: Sarajevo, Mostar, and Split. Independent variables in the study were diet type (Mediterranean vs. non-Mediterranean), physical activity, and smoking. Dependent variables included lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides), blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Results: Students from Split exhibited the highest consumption frequency of olive oil, fish, vegetables, and legumes consumption, which was statistically significant compared to students from Mostar and Sarajevo (χ² = 11.488, p = 0.022). A statistically significant difference was also found in the consumption of animal fats (butter, cream, margarine) across the cities (χ² = 19.860, p = 0.003). The average adherence score to the Mediterranean diet was highest among students from Split (3.80 points) and lowest among those from Sarajevo (2.77 points). Significant differences in cholesterol and triglyceride levels were observed only among female students across the cities (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05). Conclusion: A significant difference in cardiovascular risk factors was observed between students following the Mediterranean diet and those adhering to a non-Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet demonstrated a beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk, as evident in the lipid profile. In contrast, non-Mediterranean diet, characterized by higher intakes of vegetable and animal fats, was associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Keywords
Mediterranean diet; student population; lipid profile; Croatia; Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hrčak ID:
333479
URI
Publication date:
11.7.2025.
Visits: 312 *