Prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among women of childbearing age in Lorestan, Iran: a cross-sectional study

Sci Rep. 2026 Jul 19. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-62857-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Mental health issues are an increasing challenge for public health, affecting all populations, especially women. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among reproductive-aged women. This study was conducted on a sample of 376 Iranian women aged 20-50. Socio-demographic status, dietary intake, physical activity, mental health status, and anthropometric status were assessed using a general demographic questionnaire, a food frequency questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42) questionnaire, and a digital scale and wall-mounted stadiometer, respectively. To assess the association of mental problems with potential factors, binary logistic regression was used. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was 47.6%, 52.4%, and 38.3%, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, a higher wealth index (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12-0.66) and higher dietary diversity (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12-0.46) were associated with lower odds of depression. Larger household size (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.06-2.74) and higher dietary diversity (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.17-0.61) were associated with anxiety, while overweight (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.28-3.49) and higher dietary diversity (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24-0.87) were associated with stress. Findings revealed a high prevalence of mental health issues among Iranian women. Several factors, especially dietary quality, can influence mental health. Further studies with larger sample sizes and a prospective cohort design are necessary to understand this relationship better.

PMID:42472975 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-62857-w