Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Across the League of Arab States: A Systematic Review

Purpose: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with significant health benefits. However, adherence varies considerably, influenced by sociocultural and geographical factors. This review was designed to synthesize existing evidence on the prevalence of MD adherence in different Arab countries and identify sociodemographic, cultural, and behavioral factors associated with adherence.

Methodology: Sixteen databases were searched to identify relevant articles, using MeSH search terms related to MD and its applicable terms, adherence, and the names of the 22 Arab countries.

Findings: Out of approximately 2400 articles searched, nine articles were selected, investigating adherence to the MD across Arab League countries and exploring the impact of geographic location on dietary practices. Examined Arab populations showed generally moderate adherence to the MD. Wide variability was observed in adherence levels among the different Arab countries. This variability arises from a complex interplay of factors, including access to specific foods, economic considerations, cultural traditions, and the influence of globalization on dietary habits. Our review highlights the role of these factors in contributing to the observed heterogeneity in MD adherence across the Arab League, examining the prevalence of various MD assessment tools and their respective strengths and limitations within this specific context.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive and geographically tailored strategies that enhance adherence to the MD’s protective effects across all countries in the Arab League.