Gender specific associations and interactions of fat quality with sleep and mental health in the elderly
Abstract
Background: Mental health disorders and sleep disturbances are significant public health challenges, especially among the elderly. Dietary fat quality has emerged as a critical regulator of sleep and mental well-being. This study aimed to investigate the association between fat quality and sleep/mental health outcomes in elderly individuals, considering gender-specific interactions.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 398 Iranian elderly individuals aged 65-85 years with sleep disturbances and mental health concerns. Dietary intake was evaluated using a validated semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Psychological health, sleep quality, and mood were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire, respectively. Fat quality was assessed using the Fat Quality Index (FQI), cholesterol/saturated-fat index (CSI) and Omega-3:6 ratio.
Results: The study population consisted of 217 women and 181 men with a mean age of 63.31 ± 3.62 years. In the fully adjusted model, higher FQI was associated with lower anxiety risk and higher depression risk. The higher omega-3 to omega-6 ratio was linked to better sleep quality and lower depression risk, but higher anxiety risk. Higher CSI was associated with better sleep quality, higher anxiety risk and higher stress. Gender interactions were evident across various outcomes and fat quality indicators with…
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: 398 participants or records.
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