Evaluation of the Effects of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Adults on the Mental Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Aim: A healthy diet supports the body's energy and physiological needs with adequate nutrients. The Mediterranean diet (MD) exemplifies balanced nutrition and can have protective effects on health. This research aims to evaluate the impact of adhering to the MD on the mental health of adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Data were collected through an online questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, the Mediterranean Diet Adequacy Scale (MEDAS), and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS). The questionnaire was shared via social media or email using a link. The study included 129 individuals (52 men, 77 women) who responded approximately one week after the questionnaire was shared. Results: The mean age of individuals was 26.5±7.37. Most men (59.61%) had a normal weight, while most women (50.65%) were overweight or obese. The majority of individuals (58.14%) showed low adherence to the MD, with a mean MEDAS score of 7.0±1.92. The proportion of underweight or normal-weight individuals who consumed red meat (in men) and nuts (in women) was significantly higher compared to overweight or obese individuals. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between the MEDAS scores and mental well-being scores of individuals. Conclusion: Adequate and balanced nutrition is crucial for physical and psychological health, particularly during the pandemic. This study revealed low adherence to the MD among individuals. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to investigate the relationship between the MD and mental health during the pandemic period.