The Association Between Obesity, Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Zinc, Depression and COVID-19 Susceptibility: An observational Study

Abstract

Objective: Unhealthy lifestyle factors have been associated with COVID-19 susceptibility, but data for diet and related lifestyle factors are conflicting. The objective of this study was to identify whether obesity, Mediterranean diet, Zn or depression could be associated to the risk of COVID-19 occurrence. Methods: This observational case-control study was conducted in Türkiye (between December 2020- September 2021) with face-to-face interview. A total of 100 former COVID-19 subjects as case group and 100 healthy control group, aged 20-54 were included in the study. By semi-structured questionnaire; demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements was collected. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener and Mediterranean Diet Score. Daily dietary zinc intake was calculated using a 25-item food frequency questionnaire and blood samples for zinc levels was obtained from each participant. The level of depression was evaluated by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: No differences were found between the anthropometric characteristics of two groups (p.05). Average adherence to the Mediterranean diet were lower in the case groups compared to controls (p