Association of dietary patterns with anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Dietary intake plays a significant role in mental health. Our objective was to examine the association of dietary patterns (DPs) with anxiety and depressive symptoms in pregnant women. Methods This study was a cross-sectional study conducted in Hunan Province. Food frequency questionnaire, Self-rating Anxiety Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used. Dietary patterns were identified through the utilization of factor analysis. The correlation analysis employed logistic regression. Results The detection rates of anxiety and depression symptoms during pregnancy were 16.8% and 51.3%, respectively. We have identified five DPs in this study. After accounting for possible confounding factors, a positive correlation was found between DP3 and the risk of anxiety (T3:T1, OR = 1.637, 95%CI:1.064–2.519). However, no significant correlations were observed between DP1, DP2, DP4, or DP5 and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, a positive correlation was identified between DP1 and the risk of depression (T3:T1, OR = 1.483, 95%CI: 1.046–2.104). While no significant associations were found between DP2, DP3, DP4 or DP5 and depressive symptoms. Conclusions This study indicates that the dietary pattern high in processed meats, fried foods, sweets, desserts, instant noodles, snacks, and pickled vegetables may potentially elevate the risk of anxiety during pregnancy. The dietary pattern dominated by milk and its products, eggs and nuts may increase the risk of depression during pregnancy.