Influence of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Food Diversity on Mental Health Depression and Anxiety of Patients Attending Neuropsychiatric Hospital Barnawa, Kaduna State

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics, food diversity, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among patients attending the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna State. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, and data were collected from seventy-three (73) patients using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests. The results revealed that the majority of the respondents were females (60.3%) and within the age range of 26–30 years (27.4%). Marital status and gender were found to have significant associations with depression and anxiety (p < 0.05), indicating that females and single individuals experienced higher levels of these mental health challenges. Additionally, a significant association was observed between food diversity and symptoms of depression (p = 0.031), suggesting that individuals who consumed a more diverse diet had lower depressive symptoms. The study concludes that socio-demographic factors and dietary diversity significantly influence mental health outcomes. Therefore, improving dietary diversity and addressing socio-economic disparities can serve as effective preventive and therapeutic strategies against depression and anxiety. It is recommended that mental health facilities integrate nutritional counseling into psychiatric care, and that awareness campaigns be intensified to promote the role of nutrition in mental well-being.