1. Introduction Hypothesis
References
For Further Information:
Methods
• Globally, 350 million people suffer from depression 1
• Depression is a leading cause in disability 2
• Half of all married couples divorce in the U.S. 3
• Individuals who have experienced stress or trauma,
such as from divorce, are at higher depression risk 4
• Martially separated or divorced adults are at a
higher risk for depression than all other adults 5
• No specific diet is prescribed to patients diagnosed
with depression, although certain foods are
associated with higher or lower levels of depression.
• Mediterranean diet associated with lower
levels of depression6
• Another study shows that eating more fast
and processed foods; and a lower
consumption of fruits and vegetables, is
associated with higher depression levels7
• The average American diet consists of 16%
added sugar 8
• A cross-national study found an association
between added sugar and major
depression 9
Purpose
• This study will examine associations of added sugar
intake in recently divorced adults before and after
exposure to a six week intervention, Let’s Eat
Actively Together (Let’s EAT).
Contact:
Adi Fish (AF) afish@mail.sfsu.com
Adi Fish
First reader: Dr. Gretchen George, R.D. Assistant Professor Family and Consumer Studies/ Dietetics
The Association Between Levels of Added Sugar and Depression in Divorces Parents
Participating in Let’s Eat Actively Together
Consumer and Family Sciences, San Francisco State University, San Francisco CA
• Let’s EAT focuses on the prevention of obesity in
children of separation and divorce in a novel six-
week family intervention to improve family
routines; specifically routines related to nutritious
(and delicious) eating, basic cooking skills and family
practices during divorce.
• Let’s EAT is the first of its kind to propose an
intervention focused on nutrition and family
routines within families transitioning the trauma of
through separation and divorce.
A primary goal of Let’s EAT
is to improve family routines
related to healthy eating and
cooking.
Secondary goals of graduate
student AF are examining
associations with added sugar
and depression.
Study participants:
• Ages 26-50, with children
• Divorce or separation within 24 months
Data collected:
• Anthropometry (height and weight)
• Brief Symptom Inventory Depression and Anxiety
(BSI-DA) 10-item survey will be collected over the
phone pre- and post- Let’s EAT intervention
• Three- unannounced dietary recalls using Food
Processor SQL will be collected by trained
researchers (AF) pre- and post- intervention.
Results & Discussion
• Anticipated data collection and analysis: 2016
• Anticipated defense: Spring 2017
1. Adult participants of Let’s EAT have an increase
prevalence of depression as indicated by BSI-DA10
compare to national statistics.
2. Added sugar intake in adult participants of Let’s EAT
will be exceed the Dietary Guidelines for America
recommended amount.
3. An association between added sugar intake and
depression (BSI-DA) exists in adult participants of
Let’s EAT.
1.Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2016, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/
2.Greenberg, P. E., Kessler, R. C., Birnbaum, H. G., Leong, S. A., Lowe, S. W., Berglund, P. A., & Corey-Lisle, P. K.
(2003). The Economic Burden ofDepression in the United States. J. Clin. Psychiatry The Journal of Clinical
Psychiatry, 64(12), 1465-1475. doi:10.4088/jcp.v64n1211
3.Marriage & Divorce. (2016). Retrieved April 19, 2016, from http://www.apa.org/topics/divorce/
4.Depression. (2016, March). Retrieved April 12, 2016, from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145396
5.Anthony, J. C., & Petronis, K. R. (1991). Suspected Risk Factors for Depression among Adults 18–44 Years Old.
Epidemiology, 2(2), 123-132. doi:10.1097/00001648-199103000-00006
6.Hodge, A., Almeida, O., English, D., Giles, G., & Flicker, L. (2012). Patterns of dietary intake and psychological
distress in older Australians: Benefitsnot just from a Mediterranean diet. International Psychogeriatrics, 25(3),
456-466. doi:10.1017/S1041610212001986
7.Kim, T., Choi, J., Lee, H., & Park, Y. (2015). Associations between Dietary Pattern and Depression in Korean
Adolescent Girls. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 28(6), 533-537.
doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2015.04.005
8.Dietary Guidelines -- 2010. (2010, December). Retrieved April 19, 2016, from
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietary-guidelines-2010
9.Westover, A. N., & Marangell, L. B. (2002). A cross-national relationship between sugar consumption and
major depression? Depression and Anxiety Depress. Anxiety, 16(3), 118-120. doi:10.1002/da.10054
10. Derogatis, L. R. (1993). Brief Symptom Inventory. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from
http://www.pearsonclinical.com/psychology/products/100000450/brief-symptom-inventory-bsi.html#tab-
details