Factors associated with the onset of an episode of depressive symptoms in the general population

J Clin Epidemiol. 2003 Jul;56(7):651-8. doi: 10.1016/s0895-4356(03)00118-5.

Abstract

Objectives: To determined the association between spinal pain, headache, health, demographic and socio-economic characteristics, and development of depressive symptomatology.

Methods: A population-based, random sample of adults was surveyed and followed at 6 and 12 months. Individuals at risk of depression at baseline are the subjects of this article (n=845). We used Cox proportional hazards models to measure the time-varying effects of demographic, socio-economic, and health status; comorbid medical conditions; spinal pain; and headaches on the development of depression.

Results: After adjusting for baseline depressive symptoms and factors associated with nonresponse to follow-up, we found that spinal pain severity, younger age, marital status (separated/divorced/widowed), self-perceived poor health status, and comorbid neurologic and gastro-intestinal disease were associated with onset of a new episode of depression.

Conclusions: Important predictors of depressive symptomatology include demographic characteristics, health problems, and pain problems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Back Pain / psychology*
  • Depression / etiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / psychology
  • Headache Disorders / psychology
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marital Status
  • Middle Aged
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors