Associations of dietary habits, inflammatory dietary index, and lifestyle factors with depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional study of 53,539 individuals with thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms are closely associated with thyroid nodules (TNs). Lifestyle and dietary factors have been linked to depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary patterns-including dietary diversity, protein-enriched dietary, inflammatory dietary patterns, dietary habits and depressive symptoms in individuals with TNs.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 53,539 participants who underwent physical examinations between January 2017 and March 2024. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires on demographic characteristics, physical health, activity levels, dietary index scores, dietary habits, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Participants were female (OR: 1.38, 95 % CI: 1.30-1.46), divorced or widowed (OR: 1.56, 95 % CI: 1.31-1.85), had a higher waist-hip ratio, and (OR: 2.22; 95 % CI: 1.43-3.43) and engaged in prolonged sedentary time (OR: 1.51; 95 % CI: 1.41-1.62) were more likely to report depressive symptoms. Regarding dietary factors, an anti-inflammatory dietary (OR: 0.79; 95 % CI: 0.75-0.83) and a protein-enriched dietary (OR: 0.87; 95 % CI: 0.83-0.92) were associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms. However, irregular eating (OR: 2.00, 95 % CI: 1.81-2.21), overeating frequently (OR: 1.87; 95 % CI: 1.70-2.05), and being a former drinker (OR: 1.43, 95 % CI: 1.19-1.71) were associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms in individuals with TNs.

CONCLUSIONS

Unhealthy eating behaviors and prolonged sedentary time were associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms in individuals with TNs, while anti-inflammatory and protein-rich diets were associated with lower odds. These findings suggest potential links between dietary and lifestyle factors and depressive symptoms, which may warrant further investigation in prospective or interventional studies.