Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations Between Dietary Intake and Depressive Symptoms in Young South African Adults: The African-PREDICT Study
Abstract
Introduction: Depression is highly prevalent among young adults worldwide. While research links health behaviours, such as dietary intake, to depression, few studies have examined these associations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including South Africa. This study investigated whether dietary intake was associated with risk of depression in a cohort of young South African adults, aged 20-30 years, as part of the Global burden of disease Lifestyle And mental Disorder (GLAD) project.
Methods: This 5-year prospective cohort study was conducted in the North West Province of South Africa following the GLAD project protocol (DERR1-10.2196/65576). Dietary exposures were evaluated using three non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls, measuring daily intake of food groups and nutrients defined by the GBD study. Depression outcomes were assessed at baseline (n = 1039) and follow-up (n = 551) using the Patient Health Questionnaire (cut-off ≥10). Logistic and Poisson regression analyses were performed, reporting odds ratios (ORs) and relative risks (RRs). Four models were tested: unadjusted, sociodemographic-adjusted, total energy (TE) intake-adjusted and fully adjusted (both sociodemographic and TE-adjusted). For longitudinal analyses, baseline depression cases were additionally excluded (n = 403).
Results: Participants (mean age 24.55 years; 51.4% female; 48.6% Black) had a 29.45% baseline depression prevalence. Higher milk intake was associated with a lower risk of incident…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 1,039 participants or records.
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