Abstract: Objective To evaluate the dietary quality of adults in Guangdong Province, so as to provide a basis for nutritional intervention. Methods Based on data from a dietary survey conducted in Guangdong Province in 2015, dietary quality of adults was evaluated by Diet Balance Index （DBI_16） scoring method. Results A total of 3 424 residents aged 18-92 years in Guangdong Province were included for analysis. Of the participants, 1 254 （36.6%） were living in the Pearl River Delta region （Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Huizhou, Jiangmen）, 1 570 （45.8%） were males, 1 854 （54.2%） females, 1 538 （44.9%） aged 41-60 years, and 1 636 （47.8%） had the educational level at primary school or lower. The overall diet of the residents in Guangdong Province was in the status of moderate inadequate intake （29 ＜DBI-LBS ＜43）, lightly excessive intake （7 ＜DBI-HBS ＜13）, and moderate dietary imbalance （39 ＜DBI-DQD ＜57）. The dietary inadequate and imbalance were evident in residents of the male, rural areas, western rigion of the province, aged over 70 years, and with the educational level at primary school or lower. Of the participants, 86.5% had insufficient intake of vegetables and fruits, 98.5% had insufficient intake of beans and milk, and 53.8% were short of food diversities. Conclusion The dietary imbalance problem exists among adult residents in Guangdong Province. The differences in dietary balance among different groups should be considered when formulating strategies for improving nutrition in Guangdong Province.

Key words: Diet balance index, Dietary evaluation, Dietary intake