Psychological distress and its association with intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, discretionary foods, and alcohol in women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore psychological distress, lifestyle, and demographic factors, as well as their relationship to discretionary choices in women of reproductive age during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Australia. METHODS: Reproductive-aged women (18–50 y) in Australia participated in a national online survey. Psychological distress score (using a validated 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale questionnaire) was the primary exposure of interest, and key outcomes were frequencies of discretionary choices (sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs], alcohol, and discretionary foods). Sociodemographic and physical activity data were also collected. Logistic regression was used to report adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval to predict SSBs (less than weekly; most days/daily), total discretionary foods (none/<2 times/d; ≥3 times/d), and alcohol use (never/less than monthly; most weeks/daily). RESULTS: A total of 1005 women were included in the study, of whom 40% had a high level of psychological distress. Women with high psychological distress (aOR: 1.96; 95% CI, 1.32–2.91) and those who gained weight during the pandemic (aOR: 1.71; 95% CI, 1.10–2.65) were more likely to consume discretionary foods ≥3 times/d. There was no association between psychological distress and SSB intake or alcohol; however, Australian, New Zealander, or Pacific Islander background (aOR: 1.68; 95% CI, 1.21–2.33) and more hours of sitting time (aOR: 1.88; 95% CI, 1.07–3.29) were associated with SSB consumption on most days/daily. Older age (aOR: 1.70; 95% CI, 1.00–2.89), higher household income (aOR: 1.44; 95% CI, 1.08–1.92), and moderate or high physical activity (aOR: 1.75; 95% CI, 1.10–2.80) were associated with alcohol intake on most weeks/daily. CONCLUSIONS: Public health messaging to promote healthy eating should take into account the effect of psychological distress on health behavior. Messages aimed at maintaining a positive relationship between food intake and mental wellbeing, particularly among vulnerable groups, are warranted.