Title | Fecal incontinence as a moderator between dietary intake and depressive symptoms among a sample of older adults obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Alwerdt, J, Small, BJ |
Journal | Aging Ment Health |
Volume | 23 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 222-232 |
Date Published | 2019 02 |
ISSN | 1364-6915 |
Keywords | Aged, Aging, Depression, Diet, Dysbiosis, Fecal Incontinence, Female, Health Surveys, Humans, Male, Nutrition Surveys, Severity of Illness Index, Sex Factors, United States |
Abstract | OBJECTIVES: Many studies have established a relationship between diet and mental health, as well as the importance of bowel health. Further, with increased evidence of a gut-brain bidirectional relationship, an indication of dysbiosis as a potential moderator between diet and depression may be a viable target for future interventions. The current study investigated the relationship between diet and depressive symptoms (DS) among older adults, as well as gender, and whether a symptom of dysbiosis, fecal incontinence severity (FIS), moderated this relationship. METHOD: Using moderated regressions, we examined whether FIS moderates the relationship between diet and DS while controlling for covariates in the overall sample (N = 1918), as well as among the male (n = 841) and female sample (n = 1077). The dietary variables were reduced using a factor analysis. RESULTS: Results indicated significant moderating effects of FIS between Component 4 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PFA) in the overall sample. Component 4, protein, carbohydrates, and alcohol were significant in males only while PFA only in females. Further analysis of protein/carbohydrate ratio groups indicated significant differences within males. Higher scores of FIS were related to higher DS and less consumption of Component 4 nutrients, PFA, and protein. Males that consumed higher protein and carbohydrates resulted in lower DS with increased FIS. CONCLUSION: Outcomes from the current study provide further evidence of the importance of healthy bowel function and the potential of modifying the diet to improve DS in older adults. |
DOI | 10.1080/13607863.2017.1399348 |
Alternate Journal | Aging Ment Health |
PubMed ID | 29171958 |