Changes experienced in the nutritional pattern and in some health habits by the Spanish young adult population according to place of residence

Aim The aim of this study is to determine the changes experienced in the nutritional pattern and in some health habits by the Spanish young adult population according to place of residence. Methods An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out using surveys. Using non-probabilistic snowball sampling, a previously validated questionnaire was disseminated through networks, collecting a sample of 17781 people aged between 18 and 45. Results Results support that inhabitants of larger towns (> 10000 inhabitants) have a higher nutritional health with a higher healthy nutrition index, a higher self-perceived health and a lower BMI, compared to inhabitants of small municipalities (< 2000 inhabitants). Conclusions In the northern part of Spain, nutrition is healthier than in the coastal area. The healthy nutrition index in the north of Spain of 55.281 is significantly higher (p = 1.516 e-15) than that of the coastal area (53.109). All groups need to make changes in diet and sedentary lifestyles, while alcohol consumption, smoking and sport habits are healthy. ; Nutrición humana y dietética