Journal of Health and Nutrition Research
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026)

Food Diversity and Diet Quality as Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome in Fishermen Communities

Besti Verawati (Department of Nutrition, Universitas Pahlawan Tuanku Tambusai, Indonesia)
Rina Oktasari (Department of Nutrition, Health Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Ai Kustiani (Department of Nutrition, Universitas Mitra Indonesia, Indonesia)
Nuryani Nuryani (Department of Nutrition, Health Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health Gorontalo, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the association of food diversity and diet quality with metabolic syndrome (MetS) among fishermen communities in coastal Indonesia. An analytical observational case–control design was conducted among 120 adult fishermen (60 MetS cases and 60 controls) in Lhokseumawe, Aceh. MetS was diagnosed based on International Diabetes Federation criteria. Dietary diversity was measured using the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS) through two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls, and diet quality was evaluated using the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine dietary predictors of MetS, adjusting for age, gender, and physical activity. Fishermen with MetS showed a higher prevalence of low dietary diversity (IDDS ≤3: 33.3% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.048) and poor diet quality (HDI ≤4: 58.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.010) compared to controls. Multivariate analysis confirmed that low dietary diversity (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.05–4.50; p = 0.038) and poor diet quality (AOR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.25–6.20; p = 0.012) were independently associated with MetS. Socioeconomic factors, including age, household size, education, and income, were not significantly associated with MetS. Low dietary diversity and poor diet quality are significant predictors of MetS among fishermen. Nutrition interventions aimed at improving both dietary variety and overall diet quality may effectively reduce metabolic risks in labor-intensive coastal communities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jhnr

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

The Journal of Health and Nutrition Research (ISSN: 2829-9760) is an international peer-reviewed, scientific, and open-access journal managed by Media Publikasi Cendekia Indonesia. Journal of Health and Nutrition Research aims to provide forum exchanges and interfaces between researchers and related ...