The association between dietary intake, dietary inflammatory index and eating behaviour with mental health of pregnant mothers in Kuala Selangor

Maternal mental health during pregnancy is a crucial determinant of both maternal and child well-being. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary factors and eating behaviours may influence psychological outcomes, particularly through inflammatory mechanisms. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary intake, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and eating behaviour patterns with depression, anxiety and stress among pregnant mothers in Kuala Selangor. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 118 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Kuala Selangor. Data were collected through structured questionnaires including the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Modified-Malay Eating Behaviour and Patterns Questionnaire (M-EBPQ), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). DII scores were computed based on nutrient intake, and statistical analyses were conducted using binary logistic regression. In the unadjusted model, participants with a pro-inflammatory diet had greater odds of experiencing depression compared to those with an anti-inflammatory diet; however, this association was not statistically significant (OR = 4.37, 95% CI: 0.55–34.85, p = 0.16). No significant associations were observed between DII and anxiety or stress. Among eating behaviour constructs, low-fat eating was initially associated with higher odds of stress in the unadjusted model but became non-significant after adjustment. Additionally, no significant associations were found between overall dietary intake levels and mental health outcomes. The findings suggest that a pro-inflammatory diet may contribute to increased risk of depression in pregnant women, highlighting the importance of anti- inflammatory dietary strategies during pregnancy. Further research is warranted to explore causality and to develop tailored nutritional interventions for maternal mental health.