The assesment of nutritional status, physical activity level and hand grip strenghtin depressed patients

The study was planned in order to evaluate the nutritional status, nutritional diversity, physical activity levels and hand grip strength in 30 depressed patients and 30 healthy individuals including 15 women and 15 men in each group, who are between 18-64 years and applied to a private psychiatric hospital in Kazan district of Ankara province. Socio-demographic characteristics, nutrition habits, nutritional status and physical activity records of the individuals were taken by using the questionnaire form. Anthropometric measurements were made, body composition was determined with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and hand grip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. Biochemical findings were taken from the files of the patients'. Individuals' energy and nutrient intake were determined by using the individual food consumption record form for 3 consecutive days and the sufficiency status of nutrients consumed with diet was assessed. In addition, the Food Diversity Score was used to determine food diversity. Participants' 24-hour activity records were taken and physical activity levels (PAL) were determined. The right, left and total hand grip strengths were found to be significantly higher in the male control group than in the maile depression group (p<0.05). The main daily yoghurt and fish consumption of individuals in the control group was significantly higher than the individuals in the depression group (p<0.05). For the individuals in the depression group; daily mean sugary foods, vegetable oil and fat consumption were statistically higher than control group (p<0.05). The mean duration of sleep in the depression group also significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). At the end of the study it was concluded that, depressive individuals should be planned for private dietary treatment in the psychiatric treatment process and the patient should be encouraged to physical activity.