MEDITERANEAN DIET PRACTICES AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AMONG STUDENTS OF HEALTH STUDIES FROM MOSTAR, SARAJEVO AND SPLIT
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.