Microbiota awareness in adults: Associations with sociodemographic, health indicators, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet

Background: Dietary habits are among the main environmental factors influencing the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the associations of microbiota awareness with sociodemographic characteristics, healthy-related indicators, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and mental health indicators in adults. Methods: This descriptive and correlational study included 255 adults aged 20–64 attending a private nutrition and dietetic counselling center center in Ankara between September 2024 and February 2025. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Microbiota awareness was assessed using the Microbiota Awareness Scale (MAS), Mediterranean diet adherence using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and mental health using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and a multivariable linear regression. Results: The mean MAS score was 70.31 ± 11.27. MAS scores were higher in women, participants with higher educational levels, and those using dietary supplements, probiotics, and probiotic foods (p < 0.05). MAS was negatively correlated with body weight, body mass index, and central obesity indicators (p < 0.01), and positively correlated with Mediterranean diet adherence (p < 0.01). No significant associations were observed between MAS and depression, anxiety, or stress (p > 0.05). Higher MEDAS score, being a female, university-level education, and probiotic food consumption were independent positive predictors of MAS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Microbiota awareness was associated with dietary patterns and obesity indicators. A positive relationship was observed between microbiota awareness and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, whereas no significant association was observed with mental health indicators. Increasing microbiota awareness may support healthier eating behaviors.