The relationship of dietary diversity score with depression and anxiety among prenatal and post-partum women

Aim: The objective of the study is to explore the relationship between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and anxiety and depression of perinatal women. Methods: The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the dietary recall questionnaire were used to measure the status of depression, anxiety and dietary diversity at T1 (first trimester), T2 (second trimester), T3 (third trimester) and T4 (post-partum). The association of dietary diversity and food groups with depression and anxiety status were estimated by linear and logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety status were the highest at T1, which were 35.58% and 22.57%, respectively. Cross-sectional and longitudinal association of DDS with SDS and SAS was estimated by ordinary or multilevel linear or logistic model. In the cross-sectional analysis, high dietary status (>6) was negatively associated with depression status [T1: OR (95% CI)=0.56 (0.46, 0.69); T2: 0.55 (0.36, 0.84); T3: 0.45 (0.31, 0.65); T4: 0.58 (0.34, 0.99)] and anxiety status [T1: OR (95% CI)=0.70 (0.56, 0.88); T2: 0.42 (0.27, 0.65)]. In the longitudinal analysis, it was demonstrated that the DDS level was negatively associated with SDS [beta(se)=-0.99 (0.09), P=<0.0001] and SAS scores [beta(se)=-0.37 (0.08), P=<0.0001] throughout pregnancy. There was a negative relationship between some food groups and SDS or SAS scores at different periods. Conclusion: A negative relationship between DDS and depression as well as anxiety was found among prenatal and post-partum women.