The Relationship Between Dietary Fiber Intake, Depression, and Quality of Life in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Primary Health Care Center

Type 2 diabetes, a global health concern, may impact an individuals' quality of life (QoL) and the presence of depression. Despite the potential favorable role of dietary fiber on these issues, studies are limited. Hence, this study aimed to elecudiate association between dietary fiber intake and depression and QoL in adults with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study was performed on patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who applied to the Primary Health Care Center, İstanbul. Data including demographic variables, three-day food records, Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC), and short form-36 (SF-36) health related QoL instrument were collected through face-to-face interviews. Anthropometric measurements including weight and height were measured. Among the 120 patients 68.3% were women, with a mean age of 56.5 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.3 kg/m2, with the majority of participants classified as overweight (38.3%) or obese (50%). The average daily dietary fiber intake was 17.3 ± 6.7 g, while the mean depression scale score was 3.8. According to the SF-36, the mean general health domain was 49.9 ± 22.9, with vitality being the lowest at 45.0 ± 20.2. Significant negative correlations were noted between depression and all different domains of SF-36. However, no significant relationship was established between dietary fiber intake and QoL or depression. While there is no evidence indicating a correlation between dietary fiber intake and QoL or depression in present study, further comprehensive studies using larger samples are needed to better understand this phenomenon.