Prevalence and factors associated with mental health status in Parkinson's disease: Data from the 45 and Up Study

Abstract

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with a range of non-motor symptomologies such as anxiety and depression.

Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with mental health status in persons with PD.

Design: This retrospective data linkage study analysed a subset of data from the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study based in the population of the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data was analysed between 2005-2009 of persons who self-identified with PD. Secure data access was provided through the Sax Institute's Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE). Participants were aged 45+ years of age and living in NSW, Australia. Regression analysis was performed on psychological distress (K10), previous diagnosis of anxiety, and/or depression, with independent variables for locality, demographic, health, medical, and sociocultural factors.

Findings: A total of 1676 persons self-identified with PD from the 45 and Up Study Wave 1 baseline and were linked to the 2010 Social, Economic and Environmental Factors (SEEF) survey dataset. Mental health manifestations are common in PD with 29% and 32% reporting a previous medical diagnosis of anxiety and depression, respectively. Rural locality was associated with an increased likelihood of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression compared to metropolitan locality.

Discussion: Mental health status in PD was associated with living in rural areas, medical service access, female gender, ageing, physical mobility, Australian born, social interactions, and in a coupled relationship.

Conclusion: Further research is required on the longitudinal impact of these associations on mental health in PD.

Keywords: K10 scale; anxiety; depression; medical; psychological distress; socioeconomic.