Empirically derived dietary patterns and their association with mental health: a cross-sectional sample of Iranian migraine patients (2019–2020)

Abstract

Objectives Based on a comprehensive search, we realized that there is no previous study conducted among migraine patients to assess the association between major dietary patterns and mental health. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the relationship between empirically-derived dietary patterns and depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of Iranian migraine patients. Methods A total of 262 migraine patients (20–50 years) were selected through simple random sampling method for this study. Dietary intake during the previous year was determined using a validated 168-item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and major dietary patterns were derived using principal component analysis (PCA). For mental health evaluation, authors used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS- 21) questionnaire. Statistical analysis included multinomial logistic regression analysis and results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results We identified three major dietary patterns including “traditional”, “western”, and “healthy”. After controlling for potential confounders, those in the highest tertile of the healthy dietary pattern had lower odds of depression (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.88; P for trend: 0.030) and stress (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.99; P for trend: 0.049). However, no significant association was observed between western and traditional dietary patterns and mental disorders. Conclusions In summary, significant associations were documented between healthy dietary patterns and risk of depression and stress. Current findings urge migraine patients to increase their intakes of fruits, vegetables, eggs, whole grains, nuts and seeds, meat, and poultry and reduce the intake of fast foods and snacks, processed meat, fish, cola drink, condiments, dairy, and vegetable pickles to diminish the chance of depression and stress.

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“…Accordingly, the foods identified in each pattern were named as modern, prudent, and convenience patterns, respectively. The three dietary patterns explained 33.5% of the variation in food intake, which is comparable to other published studies on dietary patterns in the region [23][24][25]. The modern pattern was characterized by foods high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates such as fast food, lasagna, mixed dishes of chicken, meat and fish, soft drinks, biryani, desserts, ice cream, chocolate, Asian noodles, zaatar fatayer (thyme and sesame spread on flour dough), croissants, and potatoes.…”