TITLE:
Daily Mate Drinking Is Associated with a Low Level of Depressive Symptoms among a Sample of Syrian University Students
AUTHORS:
Musab A. Murad, Tala E. Alhelou, Faizeh A. Alquobaili
KEYWORDS:
Depression, Syrian Universities, Yerba Mate
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Depression,
Vol.11 No.4,
November
7,
2022
ABSTRACT: Background & Aim: In this survey study, we investigated prevalence
of depression and the possible anti-depressant effects of regular consumption
of mate or chimarrão (a traditional infused drink popular in Latin America and
the Levant, made by soaking dried leaves of the holly species Ilex
paraguariensis) in a sample of Syrian youth. Experimental: A cross-sectional
study with random sampling of 196 students in two different medical
universities in Damascus, Syria. Students were assessed using Beck Depression
Inventory Scale-II and a structured questionnaire was used for collecting data
regarding yerba mate consumption. Results & Discussion: Our results showed
a prevalence of depression at 70.10% (n = 136), also a significant correlation
between depression and mate consumption. Practical Recommendation: We recommend
further studies on the antidepressant role of yerba mate.