The Correlation Between Eating Behaviors and Depression Levels After Bariatric Surgery

In recent years, the prevalence of obesity has been increasing. Obese patients can be treated with medication, diet, exercise, and bariatric surgery. Studies on bariatric surgery have mostly focused on the physiological aspect of the surgery, with little attention paid to its psychological effects. There are a limited number of national and international studies that investigate eating behaviors and depression after bariatric surgery together. This descriptive and correlational study aimed to determine the correlation between eating behaviors and depression levels of patients after bariatric surgery. The study was conducted at Firat University Hospital General Surgery Outpatient Clinic between July 2018 and August 2019. The population of the study was 1,000 adult patients. The sample consisted of 278 patients determined by the power analysis. The Descriptive Characteristics Form was used to determine the descriptive characteristics of the patients, the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire to determine the patients' eating behaviors, and the Beck Depression Inventory to determine their depression levels. Data was gathered through face-to-face interviews at least 1 month after the surgery. The data was assessed using percent distribution, arithmetic mean, and Pearson's correlation analysis. The eating behaviors of the participants were found to be high (104.38 & PLUSMN; 10.29), while their depression levels were low (17.87 & PLUSMN; 7.71). It was determined that there was a positive and weak correlation between the patients' eating behaviors and depression levels, which was statistically significant (r = 0.190, P = 0.002). Consequently, it was determined that the eating behaviors of the patients improved, and their depression levels were low. Furthermore, as the patients' depression levels increased, so did their eating behaviors. To improve the mental health of patients after bariatric surgery, we must identify mental problems and develop solutions. We suggest that nurses plan training to help patients regulate their eating behaviors and reduce their depression levels. [Psychiatr Ann. 2023;53(8):374-380.]