Diet and Human Performance (Adult Population)

Since mental health is relevant to job performance, this cross-sectional design study explores the association of major dietary patterns and stressful life events with the intensity of psychological problems in 3063 Iranian industrial employees. To form the psychological problems profile, participants were assessed on depression and anxiety [Persian validated version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)] and psychological distress [General Health Questionnaires (GHQ)]. Stressful life events dimensions were extracted through the use of factor analysis and self-perceived frequency and intensity of stressful life events (SLE) questionnaire, while the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) aided with the dietary patterns categorisation. Data indicated a positive association between adherence to the Western and Iranian traditional diet with psychological distress in the employees, while those who adhered more to the healthy diet saw more positive psychological distress scores (even after adjusting for life stressors). It was also found that personal life stressors and socioeconomic stressors had a significant direct association with psychological stress profile scores. Although Yazdi et. al address a few limitations of this study, it can be said that healthy diet adherence can be related to better psychological health, whereas life stressors (such as personal stressors) may not have beneficial effects on mental well-being. With regards to job productivity, this research may prove helpful.