Evaluation of the Effects of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Adults on the Mental Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study

Authors : Şenay ÇATAK, Nursel ŞAHİN, Gamze AKBULUT

Pages : 318-324

Doi:10.33631/sabd.1133195

View : 74 | Download : 62

Publication Date : 2023-09-21

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: A healthy diet supports the body\`s energy and physiological needs with adequate nutrients. The Mediterranean diet insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MD); exemplifies balanced nutrition and can have protective effects on health. This research aims to evaluate the impact of adhering to the MD on the mental health of adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, the Mediterranean Diet Adequacy Scale insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MEDAS);, and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SWEMWBS);. The questionnaire was shared via social media or email using a link. The study included 129 individuals insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(52 men, 77 women); who responded approximately one week after the questionnaire was shared. Results: The mean age of individuals was 26.5±7.37. Most men insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(59.61%); had a normal weight, while most women insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(50.65%); were overweight or obese. The majority of individuals insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(58.14%); showed low adherence to the MD, with a mean MEDAS score of 7.0±1.92. The proportion of underweight or normal-weight individuals who consumed red meat insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(in men); and nuts insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(in women); was significantly higher compared to overweight or obese individuals. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between the MEDAS scores and mental well-being scores of individuals. Conclusion: Adequate and balanced nutrition is crucial for physical and psychological health, particularly during the pandemic. This study revealed low adherence to the MD among individuals. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to investigate the relationship between the MD and mental health during the pandemic period.
Keywords : Akdeniz Diyeti, Mental Sağlık, COVID 19