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Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in Chilean university students: a cross-sectional study
Using a cross-sectional approach, this study by Morales et al. (2023) sought to investigate the association between depressed symptoms and the Mediterranean diet’s particular food categories and adherence among university students in Chile. 934 first-year students completed a self-report survey at a public institution in Chile. A validated index for Chile, the Chilean-MDI, was used to measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet; the sadness Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to measure stress, anxiety, and sadness symptoms. The results showed that, in comparison to pupils who adhered to the Mediterranean diet poorly, those who did so moderately and highly had decreased risks of developing depression. In particular, eating 1-2 servings of veggies per day, > 2 servings of nuts per week, 1-2 servings of fruits per day, 1-2 servings of fish and shellfish per week, and 1/2–3 units of avocado per week were linked to a decreased risk of developing depressive symptoms. On the other hand, eating more than two servings a day of whole grains and cereals demonstrated the reverse relationship. In conclusion, the intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, avocado, fish, and seafood and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were associated with a lower risk of depression among university students in Chile. The study recommends implementing new policies and educational strategies aimed at enhancing diet quality and promoting mental health across the university community. [NPID: Mediterranean diet, depression, mental health, young adults, student health]
Year: 2023
