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Abstract
ObjectivesAmong different factors, diet patterns seem to be related to depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the consumption of fruits and/or vegetables and depressive symptoms.Methodology/Principal findingsA secondary data analysis was conducted using information from a population-based survey from 25 regions from Peru. The outcome was the presence of depressive symptoms according to the Patient Health Questionnaire (cutoff ≥15 to define major depressive syndrome); whereas the exposure was the self-reported consumption of fruits and/or vegetables (in tertiles and using WHO recommendation ≥5 servings/day). The association of interest was evaluated using Poisson regression models controlling for the complex-sample survey design and potential confounders. Data from 25,901 participants were analyzed, mean age 44.2 (SD: 17.7) and 13,944 (54.0%) women. Only 910 (3.8%; 95%CI: 3.5%–4.2%) individuals reported consuming ≥5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables/day; whereas 819 (2.8%; 95%CI: 2.5%–3.1%) had depressive symptoms. Those in the lowest tertile of fruits and/or vegetables consumption had greater prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR = 1.88; 95%CI: 1.39–2.55) than those in the highest tertile. This association was stronger with fruits (PR = 1.92; 95%CI: 1.46–2.53) than vegetables (PR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.05–1.93) alone.ConclusionsAn inverse relationship between consumption of fruits and/or vegetables and depressive symptoms is reported. Less than 5% of subjects reported consuming the amount of fruits and vegetables recommended by the WHO. There is a need to implement strategies to promote better diet patterns with potential impact on mental health.
Highlights
Depression is a common mental disorder affecting approximately 350 million people worldwide and more than half of those do not receive treatment [1]
A previous report found that the lifetime prevalence of depression in Peru was 6.4% according to the Worldwide Mental Health Study [4]
Other common sociodemographic indicators associated with the presence of depression include variables such as: gender, age and marital status [8]
Summary
Depression is a common mental disorder affecting approximately 350 million people worldwide and more than half of those do not receive treatment [1]. The burden of depression might change according to the population and the setting studied [3]. A previous report found that the lifetime prevalence of depression in Peru was 6.4% according to the Worldwide Mental Health Study [4]. Social variables associated with increased rates of depression include extreme poverty and overcrowding, amongst others [6, 7]. Other common sociodemographic indicators associated with the presence of depression include variables such as: gender, age and marital status [8]
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