Sleep Quality mediates the association between Tea Consumption and Duration of COVID-19-related Symptoms in the Elderly

The association between tea consumption and the duration of COVID-19-related symptoms remains inconclusive. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the potential mediating role of sleep quality in this association. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using data from elderly individuals aged 50 and above in Weitang Town in 2023. Detailed information on tea consumption, duration of COVID-19-related symptoms, and sleep quality was collected using pre-designed questionnaires. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Spearman correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between variables. Mediation effect analysis utilized a mediation model with multi-category independent variables. ResultsThe correlation analysis revealed negative associations between tea drinking frequency, type, years, concentration, and sleep quality. Additionally, sleep quality was significantly and positively associated with the duration of COVID-19-related symptoms, whereas various tea consumption variables were significantly and negatively associated with the duration of COVID-19-related symptoms. The mediation analysis confirmed that sleep quality partially mediated the relationship between daily tea drinking and the duration of COVID-19-related symptoms. Moreover, sleep quality fully mediated the associations between drinking green tea, consuming tea for less than 15 years or more than 30 years, the concentration of tea consumption, and the duration of COVID-19-related symptoms. ConclusionsTea consumption indirectly influences the duration of COVID-19-related symptoms through its impact on sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of considering the effects of tea consumption on COVID-19 infection, as well as the potential to reduce the duration of COVID-19-related symptoms by improving sleep quality.