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Dietary diversity among women with depressive and generalized anxiety symptoms in Nepal
In this study, Pengpid & Peltzer (2024) investigated the association between symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in Nepali women of reproductive age and dietary variety. In Nepal, 7,442 women between the ages of 15 and 49 participated in a nationwide cross-sectional study. MDD was assessed using the PHQ-9, GAD was measured with the GAD-7, and dietary diversity was evaluated through a 24-hour food recall covering ten food groups. While mild and moderate-to-severe GAD symptoms were present in 20.8% and 7.5% of individuals, respectively, mild and moderate-to-severe MDD symptoms were present in 15.7% and 5.4% of persons. The mean dietary diversity score was 4.66 (SD = 1.67). Higher dietary diversity was shown to reduce moderate-to-severe symptoms of both MDD and GAD after controlling for confounding variables. Additionally, some foods were linked to mental health: GAD symptoms were lower with intake of vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables and pulses, whereas MDD symptoms were lower with intake of vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and pulses. Overall, greater dietary diversity was linked to fewer symptoms of both MDD and GAD. [NPID: Females. dietary diversity, anxiety, depression, Nepal]
Year: 2024
