Association between the Balanced Healthy Eating Index and depression and the mediating role of extreme pessimistic thoughts: an analysis from the health and nutrition database.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Depression remains a significant global health issue, yet the combined influence of dietary quality and extreme pessimistic thoughts on depressive risk is not fully understood. This study evaluated whether a Balanced Healthy Eating Index (BHEI) and extreme pessimism independently and jointly predict depression in adults.

Materials and methods

We analyzed data from 17,575 participants aged 18-65 years in the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). BHEI scores above 62 were classified as meeting healthy dietary standards. Logistic regression models assessed the associations between substandard BHEI, extreme pessimism (frequent thoughts of being better off dead), and self-reported depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10). Models were adjusted for age, sex

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12401681 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature