Diet-related quality of life is associated with health-related quality of life: a nationwide online cohort study.

PURPOSE: This study focused on diet-related quality of life (DRQoL), a concept encompassing the enjoyment of meals, dietary satisfaction, environment, and variety, and examined its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Japan.

METHODS

This study analyzed the data from the nationwide 2021 and 2022 JACSIS study in Japan using cross-sectional and longitudinal data. DRQoL was assessed using a short version of the DRQoL Scale, and DRQoL scores were categorized into sex-specific quartiles. HRQoL was assessed using the EuroQol 5 dimensions 5-level. In the cross-sectional analysis, the association between DRQoL and the full HRQoL score was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Longitudinal HRQoL changes were evaluated using the Paretian Classification of Health Change. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed with "the same," "worse," "better," and "mixed" as outcomes. Stabilized calibration weights were applied to ensure representativeness.

RESULTS

The analysis included 19,482 participants. In the cross-sectional analysis, DRQoL Q2 [stabilized calibration weight-adjusted odds ratio (swOR): 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.41], Q3 (swOR: 1.43, 95% CI 1.23, 1.66), and Q4 (swOR: 2.04, 95% CI 1.77, 2.37) were significantly associated with a full HRQoL score. In the longitudinal analysis, Q4 status in DRQoL was significantly associated with lower odds of worse (swOR: 0.70, 95% CI 0.58, 0.83) and mixed HRQoL outcomes (swOR: 0.72, 95% CI 0.48, 0.99).

CONCLUSION

Higher DRQoL was associated with higher HRQoL in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, suggesting an association between DRQoL and HRQoL in the general Japanese population.