Determinants of Adherence To the Mediterranean Diet and Depressive Symptoms in Turkish Young Adults

Abstract

Purpose: This research aimed to investigate the effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) on depression risk in young adults and to understand potential associations. Material and Methods: An online survey form was sent to university students in T & uuml;rkiye, and 479 participated in this cross-sectional study. Data was collected based on students' declarations. Adherence to the MD was decided using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was applied to measure the presence of manifestations of depression. Multivariate linear regression models were used for the determinants of MEDAS and BDI scores. Results: 73 males and 406 females with a mean age of 21.6 +/- 2.3 years and a mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.0 +/- 3.5 kg/m2 participated in the study. While 61.8% had a moderate adherence to the MD, 54.9% had a mild or moderate BDI level. According to models, regular exercise, presence of NCD(s), and adherence to an adequate/balanced diet were MEDAS score's determinants, and adherence to an adequate/balanced diet and BMI were for BDI score (p<0.05). No statistically significant effect of MEDAS and BDI scores on each other was found (p>0.05). Conclusion: The relationship between the MD and depression is complex and encompasses several dimensions. More comprehensive and long-term studies, considering the influence of individual differences and other factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle, may help to reveal this effect more clearly.