AUTHOR=Tian Xin , Xia Xin , Li Huixian , Hu Yuexia , Xie Yuqing , Hu Xiuying , Yue Jirong , Dong Birong , Wu Bei , Wang Yanyan 

TITLE=Mediation of nutritional status between the number of teeth and depressive symptoms in multi-ethnic older adults from Western China

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1506640

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1506640

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=BackgroundDepression is a prevalent issue among older adults, affecting the quality of life and overall health of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the role of nutritional status in mediating the number of teeth and depressive symptoms.MethodA prospective multi-ethnic baseline data of 6,632 adults aged 50 years and older was derived from the 2018 West China Health and Aging Trend study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, and nutritional status was evaluated with the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form. A multiple linear regression was performed to assess the associations among the number of teeth, nutritional status, and depressive symptoms. Mediation models and pathway analysis were employed to investigate the mediating role of nutritional status.ResultsThe sample comprised 18 ethnic groups from western China. The percentage of depressive symptoms among participants was 17.3%. Multiple linear regression indicated a significant correlation between the number of teeth and depressive symptoms. The association remained statistically significant (β = −0.089; 95% CI −0.158, −0.020) after adjusting for MNA-SF scores. Mediation analysis confirmed nutritional status partially mediated the relationship between the number of teeth and depressive symptoms (indirect effect estimate = −0.059; 95% CI −0.076, −0.044, direct effect estimate = −0.089; 95% CI −0.158, −0.020). Furthermore, structural equation model for pathway analysis verified the correlation between the number of teeth, nutritional status, and depressive symptoms (p < 0.05).ConclusionNutritional status partially mediated the association between the number of teeth and depressive symptoms, revealing significant direct and indirect effects. Early identification of nutritional deficits and the maintenance of oral health are essential for preventing depression in older adults.