Depressão e sua associação com marcadores do consumo alimentar no Brasil: um estudo transversal com base na PNS de 2013 e 2019

Abstract

Society has undergone transformations that have resulted in changes in dietary patterns. Initially, these changes were associated with reductions in hunger and malnutrition; however, they are currently related to overweight and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Among NCDs, depression stands out as one of the leading causes of disability, with diet being considered a potential risk factor. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze food consumption among Brazilian adults and older adults and its association with the presence of depression, based on data from the 2013 and 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey (PNS). This was a cross-sectional, population-based study using PNS data, including adults aged 18 years or older and accounting for the survey’s complex sampling design. Depression was assessed based on self-reported diagnosis and a Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score ≥ 10. The prevalence of depression was analyzed according to the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods. Analyses were performed using Stata version 15.0 and included relative frequencies, 95% confidence intervals, and prevalence ratios estimated using Poisson regression. The results indicated consistent associations between health-related behaviors and depression in both years analyzed. The most stable relationships were a lower prevalence of depression among individuals who regularly consumed beans, fish, and salt, and a higher prevalence among smokers, individuals with excess weight, and those with longer screen time. Associations with alcohol, fruit, and vegetable consumption weakened after adjustment, suggesting the influence of sociodemographic factors. It was concluded that dietary and healthrelated behaviors are associated with depression in the Brazilian population and that these associations should be interpreted considering sociodemographic characteristics. The findings highlight the need for strategies to promote healthy eating and reduce disparities among different population groups that influence this outcome.