Association Between Diabetes Risk and Attitudes Toward Healthy Eating Among Adults Visiting a Shopping Center in Istanbul

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global public health concern, and its prevalence continues to increase because of sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits. Early identification of individuals at risk and the promotion of healthy eating behaviors are essential strategies for diabetes prevention.

Aim: This study aimed to assess diabetes risk and attitudes toward healthy eating among adults visiting a shopping center in Istanbul and to examine the relationship between these variables.

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 192 adults visiting a shopping center on the Anatolian side of Istanbul between October 14 and 15, 2024. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Finnish Type 2 Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC), and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN). Descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and Spearmanʻs correlation analysis were performed. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between healthy eating attitudes and FINDRISC scores after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI).

Results: Of the participants, 65.6% were female, and the mean age was 37.67±15.08 years. The mean FINDRISC score was 14.70±3.98, indicating a moderate risk of developing diabetes. The mean ASHN total score was 69.38±9.69, reflecting generally positive attitudes toward healthy eating. A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was observed between the FINDRISC score and the ASHN total score (r=-0.152, p=0.035), as well as between the FINDRISC score and the nutrition knowledge subscale (r=-0.226, p=0.002).

Conclusion: Adults with more positive attitudes toward healthy eating tended to have lower diabetes risk scores. Public health initiatives that promote healthy eating behaviors and improve nutrition-related knowledge may contribute to reducing diabetes risk and improving population health.

Keywords: Adults, attitude, diabetes risk, healthy eating, public health