Sex Differences in Association of Depression with Self-Rated Health and Awareness of Cardiovascular Preventive Measures

Abstract

Aim: To determine gender differences in the relationship between depression and self-rated health and awareness of measures for cardiovascular prevention in an open population of 25-4 years in Russia/Siberia (Novosibirsk). Methods: Under the screening based on the budgetary theme No. AAAA-A17-117112850280-2, a random representative sample of the male and female population who were residents in one of the districts in Novosibirsk was examined in 2013-2016 (n=975, 43.8% males, mean age 34.5±0.4 years). Selfassessment of health and awareness of preventive measures was assessed using the questionnaire "Knowledge and attitude to own health". Depression was assessed using the depression scale based on the adapted MMPI questionnaire. Results: There was a linear increase in the proportion of those who considered themselves "not entirely healthy" or "sick" with an increase in the level of depression in 25-34 and 35-44 years age groups of studied population. Women aged 35-44 years with a moderate level of depression are 15-20% more likely than men to report that they are “not entirely healthy” and “sick” and have health complaints (p <0.05). Men aged 25-34y with major depression were more likely to report negative self-esteem and health complaints but these differences were not statistically significant. In both age groups, with an increase in the level of depression by 20-40%, the proportion of people who “clearly did not take care of their health” among men and women increased. However, the presence of depression eliminate statistical gender differences. In the presence of depression, women are 16% more likely than men to consider it highly likely to develop a serious illness in the next 5-10 years, while they are 10% less likely to have regular health checks. Women were 4-12% more likely than men to doubt the possibilities of preventive medicine, regardless of the level of depression. Conclusions: As depression rises, self-rated health falls and confidence in the effectiveness of preventive measures among both sexes decreases. And while women are more likely to report pessimistic responses to health and prevention, the presence of high levels of depression deletes gender differences.