Interaction effects of co-consumption of takeaway fast foods and sodas on depressive symptom in Chinese adolescents

Objective To explore the association between co-consumption of takeaway fast foods and sodas with depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents, and to provide a reference for reducing the occurence of depression among adolescents. Methods A multi-center population-based survey was conducted in 32 schools in 4 provinces across China. A total of 14 500 adolescents completed eligible questionnaires. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), while consumption of takeaway fast foods and sodas was collected using the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Results 27.26% (3 952/14 500) of adolescents were reported of depressive symptoms. The low-, middle-, and high-frequency consumption of takeaway fast foods (aOR=1.12, 1.73, 1.56, P<0.05) and sodas (aOR=1.64, 2.17, 3.54, P<0.01) were associated with depressive symptoms, and dose-response relationships were observed in all association (P<0.01). Meanwhile, positive additive interactions were observed in the association (aOR=2.46, P<0.01). The relative excess risk, attribution ratio and the interaction index of synergy was 0.45 (0.12-0.77), 0.18 (0.06-0.30) and 1.44 (1.10-1.89), respectively. Conclusion Co-consumption of takeaway fast foods and sodas significantly associates with depressive symptoms by synergistic effect among Chinese adolescents.