PD454 - ADHERENCE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IS ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER DEPRESSION RISK IN ADULTS

PD454

ADHERENCE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IS ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER DEPRESSION RISK IN ADULTS

R. E. KARAKAYA¹, E. ELİBOL^1,*

¹Nutrition and Dietetic, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Türkiye

Rationale: Depression is a multifactorial condition influenced by various biological, psychological, and lifestyle factors, including diet. This study aimed to evaluate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and depression risk in adults. 

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 553 adults. Sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors were collected using a questionnaire. Body weight and height were self-reported, and physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and depression risk was assessed using the CES Depression Scale Turkish Form (CES-D-Tr). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. 

Results: The median age was 34 years [20-63], and 58.6% were female. Mediterranean diet adherence was low in 26.4%, moderate in 34.7%, and high in 38.9%. Depression risk was present in 62.9% of participants. A significant association was observed between MEDAS and depression risk (χ²=14.49, p=0.001), with higher risk in individuals with low adherence. Depression scores were significantly higher in the low adherence group compared to both moderate and high adherence groups. In multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, Mediterranean diet adherence remained independently associated with lower depression risk (p=0.020). Compared to low adherence, moderate (OR: 0.591, 95% CI: 0.362–0.965) and high adherence (OR: 0.507, 95% CI: 0.314–0.821) were associated with lower odds of depression. 

Conclusion: These findings suggest that adherence to the Mediterranean diet may play a protective role in depression and highlight the importance of dietary patterns in mental health.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared