Prevalence Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Association between weight, weight perception, weight teasing and mental health among adolescents

BackgroundAdolescent mental health problems are becoming increasingly prevalent, and there are correlations between weight-related concerns and adolescent mental health. The aim of this study is to explore the association between three weight-related factors (actual weight, weight perception, and weight teasing) and mental health problems (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness) in Chinese adolescents.Methods10,070 adolescents between the ages of 11–18 from schools in Shanghai, China were selected using a stratified random cluster sampling method. Self-reported questionnaires were collected to investigate weight-related factors and mental health problems. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms among adolescents were 18.0%, 53.8%, 26.5%, and 12.3%, respectively, with a higher prevalence found in females. After adjusting for weight perception and weight teasing, actual weight had no harmful impact on adolescents’ mental health. Adolescents' perception of being overweight increased the risk of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, while the perception of being underweight had a similar but more profound impact (depressive symptoms OR = 1.590, 95% CI: 1.342–1.883; loneliness OR = 1.537, 95% CI: 1.353–1.746; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 1.368, 95% CI: 1.178–1.589; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 1.780, 95% CI: 1.449–2.186). Experiencing weight teasing more than once a year had a greater effect on adolescents' mental health, especially among adolescents with overweight/obesity (depressive symptoms OR = 2.970, 95% CI: 2.325–3.793; loneliness OR = 3.839, 95% CI: 3.119–4.727; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 2.822, 95% CI: 2.236–3.562; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 5.212, 95% CI: 3.846–7.065).ConclusionsThe prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents was high, especially loneliness. Weight perception and weight teasing, but not the actual weight, independently influenced adolescent mental health.

A comparative study of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers in Johor, Malaysia during the Covid-19 era.

The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has a significant impact on the mental health of the global population. Updates are needed regarding the mental health status among the local population since limited studies were done so far. This research compared the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among HCWs and non-HCWs. We also evaluated the factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms among these 2 groups. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between September to December 2022. Online questionnaire was distributed to HCWs from 2 tertiary government hospitals. Non-HCWs from various occupational fields were recruited randomly. Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) were used to screen for anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. 200 questionnaires were distributed to HCWs and non-HCWs respectively. The response rate was 74.5% from HCWs and 82.5% from non-HCWs (P = .07). A total of 236 individuals (105 HCWs and 131 non-HCWs) were included in the study. Majority were female, married, highly educated and worked more than 8 hours per day. There was no significant difference for the prevalence of anxiety (37.2% vs 44.3%, P = .34) and depression symptoms (37.3% vs 35.1%, P = .75) between HCWs and non-HCWs. Among HCWs, poor workplace support (P = .009) and low income (P = .04) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Younger age (P = .02), single status (P = .01) and poor workplace support (P = .006) were associated with depression symptoms. More non-HCWs with a higher educational level were having anxiety and depression symptoms. Single status (P = .03), working away from home (P = .02), poor family support (P = .03) and quarantine as Covid-19 close contact (P = .04) were also associated with depression symptoms among non-HCWs. There is no significant difference between HCWs and non-HCWs experiencing possible anxiety or depressive symptoms in this study. However, attention should be paid to address associated factors identified among each group to promote good mental health.

Prevalence and predictors of diabetes distress and depression in people with type 1 diabetes.

People living with diabetes often encounter psychosocial challenges, including diabetes distress and depression. Despite this, little research has focused on the co-occurrence of these conditions. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms and diabetes distress in people with type 1 diabetes in Kuwait and to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with these conditions. A total of 832 people with type 1 diabetes (females: 54.1%, mean age: 29 ± 8.5 years), were invited to participate in Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) course. Diabetes distress was measured using the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale and depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Depressive symptoms were defined as PHQ-9 scores ≥10. Data on biomedical outcomes, lifestyle factors, and sociodemographic information were collected. The prevalence rates of diabetes distress and depressive symptoms were 27.8% and 38.3%, respectively. Notably, 19.6% of people experienced both conditions. In the regression analysis, PAID scale and PHQ-9 scores were significantly associated, patients with higher score on depressive symptoms scale were more likely to suffer diabetes distress (B= 2.65, p < 0.001). Female sex (odds ratio [OR]= 2.2, 95% CI= 1.5, 3.2), higher hemoglobin A1c levels (OR= 1.6, 95% CI= 1.0, 2.5), obesity (OR= 1.7, 95% CI= 1.1, 2.8), inactivity (OR= 2.4, 95% CI= 1.6, 3.6), microvascular complications (OR= 2.8, 95% CI= 1.5, 5.4), and lipohypertrophy (OR= 1.7, 95% CI= 1.1, 2.5) were associated with greater odds for the co-occurrence of diabetes distress and depressive symptoms (p< 0.05 for all). The majority of people with type 1 diabetes in Kuwait experience both diabetes distress and depressive symptoms. The strong correlation between diabetes distress and depressive symptoms suggests mutual predictability. The co-occurrence of both symptoms is associated with many sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Interaction between Fokl polymorphism and vitamin D deficiency in the symptoms of mental disorders in adults: a population-based study

Mental disorders are intricate and multifaceted and encompass social, economic, environmental, and biological factors. This study aimed to explore the potential association between vitamin D deficiency and anxiety and depression symptoms in adults, considering the role of the vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism FokI (rs2228570). This was a population-based cross-sectional study with stratified and cluster sampling, evaluating anxiety symptoms (AS) and depression symptoms (DS) in 1637 adults. Vitamin D levels were measured using electrochemiluminescence and were considered deficient when < 20 ng/mL in a healthy population or < 30 ng/mL in at-risk groups. Genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes. The prevalence rates of AS, DS, and vitamin D deficiency were 23.5%, 15.8%, and 30.9%, respectively. No direct association was observed between vitamin D deficiency and AS or DS. However, interaction analysis revealed a combined effect of vitamin D deficiency and FokI for DS but not for AS. Individuals with vitamin deficiency and one or two copies of the altered allele of the FokI exhibited a higher prevalence of DS than individuals homozygous for the wild-type allele and vitamin D sufficiency. The interaction between vitamin D deficiency and the FokI polymorphism was associated with DS.

Factors associated with depressive symptoms among returnee migrants and non-migrants working adults in Madi municipality in Nepal: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundMental health is a growing concern worldwide. It is not well understood whether international labour migrants from Nepal who return to Nepal are at higher risk of developing mental health problems. The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of and examine the associated factors for depressive symptoms among returnee migrants and non-migrant working male adults in Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of a probability-based sample of 725 participants was conducted in February 2020. The sample was comprised of two groups based on migration status: returning migrants and non-migrants. The 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21) questionnaire was used to assess depressive symptoms. Logistic regression was applied to investigate factors associated with symptoms of depression.ResultsThe overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was 10.1%. However, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was lower (7%) among returnee migrants compared to non-migrants (13.7%). Men in the lower income group had a higher chance of having depressive (AOR = 5.88, 95% CI: 2.17–15.96) than those in the higher income group. Similarly, Buddhists and Christians were more likely to be depressed (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.03–4.68) than Hindus. Participants with more than two children had a higher chance of having of depressive symptoms (AOR = 4.80, 95% CI: 1.15–20.05) compared with those without children. Unmarried men were more likely to be depressed (AOR = 4.07, 95%, CI:1.11–14.92) than those who were married.ConclusionThe working Nepali adult male population in Nepal, including returning migrants, is at risk of depressive symptoms, but this association was lower in those in the higher income group, returnee migrants, those who were married, Hindus and those with no children. Our results highlight the need to monitor and develop national policies to ensure the mental health of the Nepali male adult population, including returnee migrants.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among Hispanic/Latino ethnic subgroups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hispanic/Latino populations experienced disproportionate exposure to depression risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. While aggregated data confirm the risks of depressive symptoms among Hispanic/Latino individuals, little research uses disaggregated data to investigate these risks based on ethnic subgroups. Using the "Understanding the Impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Social Distancing on Physical and Psychosocial (Mental) Health and Chronic Diseases" survey, which was distributed nationally between May 13, 2021, and January 9, 2022 (N = 5413), we estimated the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Hispanic/Latino ethnic subgroups during the pandemic. We performed descriptive analysis on a 116-item survey, which collected disaggregated data from Hispanic/Latino individuals aged ≥ 18years (n = 1181). About one-third of the participants reported depressive symptoms (31.3%), with those who self-identified as other Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin (40.2%) reporting the highest depressive symptom prevalence. Among participants who reported depression treatment before the pandemic, the highest reports of treatment were among Puerto Rican (81.8%) participants. More than one-third of participants receiving prior depression treatment (38.7%) reported treatment interference by the pandemic, mostly among Central American individuals (50.0%). This study highlights the need for integrating more disaggregated data into public health approaches which seek to target population subgroups and reduce racial/ethnic mental health disparities.

Prevalence and persistence of depressive symptoms during the first year postdiagnosis in a large sample of patients with head and neck cancer

PurposeThe experience of persistent depressive symptomatology during the first year postdiagnosis has implications for recovery and adjustment by one year postdiagnosis. The present descriptive study sought to examine the prevalence and persistence of mild to moderate-severe depressive symptomology and associated disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with HNC. Materials & methodsThis study was a prospective observational study at a single-institution tertiary cancer center. Depressive symptomatology was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), captured at diagnosis and 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months postdiagnosis. HNC-specific HRQOL was measured using the Head and Neck Cancer Inventory (HNCI). Four subgroups were defined by BDI scores over time: persistent-moderate/severe subgroup, persistent-mild subgroup, transient subgroup, and resilient subgroup. ResultsThe distribution of patients (N = 946) was 65 (6.9 %) in the persistent-moderate/severe subgroup, 190 (20.1 %) in the persistent-mild subgroup, 186 (19.7 %) in the transient subgroup, and 505 (53.3 %) in the resilient subgroup. Across all four HNCI domains, patients in the persistent-moderate/severe subgroup failed to reach a score of 70 by 12-months postdiagnosis which is indicative of high functioning on the HNCI (aesthetics: M = 42.32, SD = 28.7; eating: M = 32.08, SD = 25.7; speech: M = 47.67, SD = 25.3; social disruption: M = 52.39, SD = 24.3). Patients in the persistent-mild subgroup failed to reach 70 in three of four domains. Patients in the resilient subgroup reached, on average, >70 on all HNCI domains. ConclusionsDepression is a considerable issue during the first year postdiagnosis. Avenues for screening and intervention should be incorporated into HNC patient care per clinical practice guidelines to optimize recovery and HRQOL.

The prevalence of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorders symptoms among healthcare workers after the COVID-19 vaccinations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequencies of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symtoms among HCWs in Turkey after the COVID-19 vaccinations and to evaluate the associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Turkey between November and December 2021. We used a demographic data form, COVID-19 vaccination status, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder-7, the Insomnia Severity Index, and the National Stressful Events Survey post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Short Scale. Results: A total of 1013 HCWs participated in the study. Women constituted 68.5% of the participants, 65.4% were physicians, 32.5% had histories of COVID-19, and 98.0% had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Depressive symptoms were exhibited by 50.3% of the HCWs, while 35.7% exhibited anxiety, 44.6% insomnia, and 12.0% PTSD symptoms. Nurses reported significantly greater depression (p

Early-onset vasomotor symptoms and development of depressive symptoms among premenopausal women

BackgroundWe investigated the association between vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) and the onset of depressive symptoms among premenopausal women. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 4376 premenopausal women aged 42–52 years, and the cohort study included 2832 women without clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline. VMSs included the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale; a score of ≥16 was considered to define clinically relevant depressive symptoms. ResultsPremenopausal Women with VMSs at baseline exhibited a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared with women without VMSs at baseline (multivariable-adjusted prevalence ratio 1.76, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.47–2.11). Among the 2832 women followed up (median, 6.1 years), 406 developed clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Women with versus without VMSs had a significantly higher risk of developing clinically relevant depressive symptoms (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio, 1.72; 95 % CI 1.39–2.14). VMS severity exhibited a dose-response relationship with depressive symptoms (P for trend <0.05). LimitationsSelf-reported questionnaires were only used to obtain VMSs and depressive symptoms, which could have led to misclassification. We also could not directly measure sex hormone levels. ConclusionsEven in the premenopausal stage, women who experience hot flashes or night sweats have an increased risk of present and developed clinically relevant depressive symptoms. It is important to conduct mental health screenings and provide appropriate support to middle-aged women who experience early-onset VMSs.

Parenting Styles and Mental Health among Adolescents of Nawabshah (SBA), SINDH

Background: Parenting styles are crucial in shaping adolescents' mental health. With varying implications for child development, the authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles identified by Baumrind have been subjects of extensive research. The interplay between these parenting approaches and adolescent mental health outcomes remains a pivotal area of inquiry, especially in diverse cultural contexts such as Nawabshah (SBA), Sindh. Objective: This study aimed to identify the predominant parenting styles in SBA and to assess their relationship with the mental health of school-going adolescents. Specifically, it sought to explore the association between authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles and the prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescents. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 354 adolescents from both government and private secondary and higher secondary schools in Nawabshah. Participants were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected via a survey incorporating the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for assessing mental health and the Parent Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) for evaluating parenting styles. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing the Pearson correlation coefficient to analyze the relationship between parenting styles and adolescent mental health. Results: The study found a predominance of the authoritative parenting style among participants' parents (56.2%). A significant yet low negative correlation was identified between authoritative parenting and moderate depression in adolescents (r = -.124, p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, combinations of parenting styles were observed, with a notable presence of mixed authoritative-authoritarian practices. Adolescents experiencing authoritative parenting reported higher instances of moderate depression compared to those with other parenting styles. Conclusion: The findings challenge the universally positive portrayal of authoritative parenting, highlighting its complex relationship with adolescent mental health in the SBA context. The study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of parenting styles and their impact, advocating for culturally sensitive approaches in parenting research.

Independent Impact of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Cardiovascular Prognosis in Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract Objectives: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker of depressive symptoms manifests a novel role in the cardiovascular system. This study aims to indicate the association of BDNF levels between depressive symptoms and the cardiovascular prognosis in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Methods: Participants were recruited from hospitalized CHD patients between November 18, 2020 and November 26, 2021, in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. Serum BDNF levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Depressive symptom was evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The cardiovascular events were the endpoint outcomes across the 12-month follow-up. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the relationship of serum BDNF levels between depressive symptom and prognosis. Results: A total of 102 CHD patients (60.6 ± 10.4 year, 76% male) were enrolled. Based on the median serum BDNF levels, the participants were grouped into those “low BDNF (≤0.65 ng/mL)” versus “high BDNF (≥0.65 ng/mL).” CHD patients with low BDNF levels had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PHQ–9 ≥10) compared with high BDNF levels. Within a median 540 days of follow-up, low serum BDNF increased the risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.26; 95% confidence interval = 1.18–9.02, P = 0.02) after adjustment for confounding factors. Conclusions: CHD patients with low serum BDNF levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, independently of depressive symptoms.

Global burden of depression or depressive symptoms in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundDepression is the leading cause of health-related disability. A proportion of depression cases begin in childhood and increase dramatically during adolescence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms in children and adolescents and explore the temporal and regional distribution of depression or depressive symptoms. MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis identified peer-reviewed literature published through April 8, 2023, using the MEDLINE, Embase and APA PsycINFO databases, supplemented by reverse reference searches. Observational studies published in English and based on validated instruments with prevalence data on depression or depressive symptoms in children and adolescents aged ≤18 years were eligible. Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis were performed using R software. ResultsThis systematic review and meta-analysis included a total of 96 studies (29 countries, 528,293 participants) published between 1989 and 2022. The pooled prevalence of mild-to-severe, moderate-to-severe, and major depression were 21.3 % (95%CI, 16.7 %–26.7 %), 18.9 % (95%CI, 14.6 %–24.2 %), and 3.7 % (95%CI, 2.7 %–5.1 %) respectively. Meta-regression analysis showed that from 1989 to 2022, the prevalence of mild-to-severe and moderate-to-severe depression increased over time (P = 0.002, P = 0.034, respectively), but the prevalence of major depression did not change significantly (P = 0.636). LimitationsOnly English articles were included. There was significant heterogeneity across the included studies. The studies included were mostly based on self-report scales to assess depressive symptoms. ConclusionIn this systematic review, about one in five children and adolescents globally suffered from depression or had depressive symptoms, and this proportion was increasing over time.

Prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and perceived stress in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19 infection is associated with significant depressive and anxiety symptoms and stress. We examined the prevalences of depressive and anxiety symptoms and perceived stress among patients with COVID-19. Clinically stable patients with COVID-19 aged 18 to 60 years who were admitted between April 2021 and September 2021 to the MES Medical College in Kerala, India were prospectively recruited. They were assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Of 112 patients screened, 103 were included in the analysis. Depression scores were higher in patients of lower socio-economic status (p = 0.04), of unemployed (p = 0.01), and with longer hospital stays (p < 0.001). Anxiety scores were higher in patients aged 31 to 40 years (p = 0.04), of lower socio-economic status (p = 0.01), with a history of psychiatric illness (p = 0.006), and with a history of self-harm (p = 0.019). Perceived stress scores were higher in patients of lower socio-economic status (p = 0.02), with a history of psychiatric illness (p = 0.001), and with a history of self-harm (p = 0.022). Socio-economic status, employment status, a history of psychiatric illness, and duration of hospital stay are associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among patients with COVID-19.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Correlates among Male Medical Students at the University of Bisha, Saudi Arabia.

Identifying the potential factors of depression among medical students is the first step towards academic excellence and future safe medical practice. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to February 2020 at the University of Bisha, College of Medicine (UBCOM), Bisha Province, Saudi Arabia. Male medical students from year one to year six were involved. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about students' socio-demographic and academic characteristics. The Arabic version of the PHQ-9 scale with a score of ≥10 was used to identify depression. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the prevalence and correlates of depression. Of the 190 male students enrolled, 26.8% had depressive symptoms, of whom 45.1% were experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. The significantly highest depression rate was found among the second-year students, at 43.8% (OR = 2.544; 95% CI 1.178-5.714; p = 0.018), and the lowest rate was found among year one students, at 8.9% (OR = 0.203; 95% CI 0.075-0.560; p = 0.002). Univariate regression revealed a significant correlation between depression and dissatisfaction with family income, loss of family members, having psychological illness, difficulties in personal relationships, regretting studying medicine, failure in an academic year, a lower grade than expected, conflict with tutors, lack of college facilities and heavy academic load. In multivariate analysis, loss of family members (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI 1.86-7.413), difficulties in personal relationships (AOR = 2.371; 95% CI 1.009-5.575), regretting studying medicine (AOR = 3.764; 95% CI 1.657-8.550), and failing an academic year (AOR = 2.559; 95% CI 1.112-5.887) were independently correlated with depression. The study concluded that medical students at UBCOM experience depressive symptoms associated with various risk indicators. Optimizing the educational and social environment and infrastructure facilities at UBCOM might promote students' mental health and well-being.

The Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms Among Medical Students of Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia

The Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms Among Medical Students of Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia

Association of depressive symptoms with cardiovascular events and plasma BNP: A prospective cohort study of the elderly Chinese population

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and to evaluate the associations of mild and significant depressive symptoms with cardiovascular events and plasma BNP levels (which are surrogate endpoints for cardiovascular events) among older adults in a population-based study. MethodsA population-based prospective study of 1,432 elderly people (aged 70–84 years and without cardiovascular disease) was conducted, and the median duration of follow-up for participants with outcomes was 18 weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). The hazard ratios (HRs) for the time to events and time to death were calculated using the Cox regression analysis. Multiple linear regression models and Spearman rank correlations were used to examine the association of depressive symptoms with Log BNP values. ResultsThe prevalence of mild (GDS-15 scores ≥ 6) and significant (GDS-15 scores ≥ 10) depressive symptoms were 7.3% and 2.0% at baseline, respectively. Older adults with significant depressive symptoms exhibited increased risks of time to death (HR: 12.56; 95% CI: 3.58–43.99) and composite cardiovascular endpoints (HR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.19–3.75). Significant depressive symptoms were associated with Log BNP levels (β=0.56, P = 0.02). Depressive symptom scores were also associated with Log BNP levels (rs=0.21, P = 0.04) in the older adults with depressive symptoms. ConclusionsSignificant depressive symptoms were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and higher BNP levels in the elderly.

Association between eicosapentaenoic acid consumption and the risk of depressive symptoms in US adults: Analyses from NHANES 2005–2018

BackgroundThis study examines the relationship between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) intake from food and depression. EPA, an Omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish and seafood, has garnered attention for its potential role in depression prevention and treatment. MethodsWe selected 30,976 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2018. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). EPA intake was assessed through dietary evaluation. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression (RCS) were employed to assess the correlation between EPA and depressive symptom. ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms was 7.3 %. Participants with depressive symptoms exhibited lower EPA intake from food compared to non-depressed individuals. This negative association with depressive symptoms persisted even after accounting for various potential influencing factors (e.g., age, gender, body mass index, total energy intake, comorbidities). Notably, EPA demonstrated a nonlinear association with depressive symptoms, particularly in females. ConclusionsThis study emphasizes a significant negative correlation between EPA consumption and depressive symptoms, particularly in females. This suggests that maintaining a rich EPA diet may play a role in depression prevention and treatment.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with advanced schistosomiasis in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Advanced schistosomiasis is the most serious outcome of infection and has a negative impact on both physical fitness and mental health of patients, the latter of which has long been overlooked. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the overall prevalence of depressive symptoms, one of the most common mental problems, in patients with advanced schistosomiasis in China. Six electronic databases were searched for studies reporting the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the targeted patients. Assessments were pooled using a fixed- or random-effects model based on heterogeneity test. Subgroup analyses were further performed and differences between/among groups were examined using the chi-squared test. The protocol had previously been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023406708). A total of 11 studies with 1,673 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms in advanced schistosomiasis in China was 62.01% (95% CI: 51.30% - 72.72%), with a significant heterogeneity among studies. Depressive symptoms were more prevalent in patients with complications and more than half of the patients suffered a mild- or moderate-level of depression. No publication bias was found, and sensitivity analysis showed a stable result. The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms in advanced schistosomiasis in China was high enough to warrant psychotherapeutic interventions, especially for patients with complications. This would greatly prevent or/and reduce depression and improve their quality of life.

Perioperative Adjunctive Esketamine for Postpartum Depression Among Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery

Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental health conditions during the perinatal and postpartum periods, which can have adverse effects on both mother and infant. To investigate the efficacy of perioperative adjunctive esketamine administration after cesarean deliveries in the prevention of PPD. A single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2023, at Fujian Provincial Hospital among 298 women aged 18 to 40 years, with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I to III classification and singleton full-term pregnancies who were scheduled for elective cesarean deliveries. Primary analyses were performed on a modified intention-to-treat basis. Patients were randomly assigned to the esketamine (n = 148) and control (n = 150) groups. Those in the esketamine group received a single intravenous injection of 0.25 mg/kg of esketamine immediately after fetal delivery, followed by 50 mg of esketamine as an adjuvant in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for 48 hours after surgery. Saline was given to the control group of patients. The primary outcome was assessments of PPD symptoms by using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at postpartum day 7. Positive screening for PPD was defined as a score of 10 or more points on the EPDS. In addition, the EPDS was analyzed as a continuous variable to evaluate depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of postoperative pain, along with safety evaluations including adverse events and clinical assessments at postpartum days 14, 28, and 42. A total of 298 pregnant women were included, with 150 in the control group (median age, 31.0 years [IQR, 29.0-34.0 years]) and 148 in the esketamine group (median age, 31.0 years [IQR, 28.0-34.0 years]). The prevalence of depression symptoms was significantly lower among patients given esketamine compared with controls (23.0% [34 of 148] vs 35.3% [53 of 150]; odds ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33-0.91; P = .02) on postpartum day 7. In addition, the esketamine group also showed a significantly lower change in EPDS scores (difference of least-squares means [SE], -1.17 [0.44]; 95% CI, -2.04 to -0.31; effect size, 0.74; P = .008). However, there were no differences between the groups in the incidence of positive screening results for PPD or in changes from the baseline EPDS scores at postpartum days 14, 28, and 42. There were no differences in NRS scores at rest and on movement except on movement at 72 hours postoperatively, when scores were significantly lower in the esketamine group (median, 3.0 [IQR, 2.0-3.0] vs 3.0 [IQR, 3.0-3.5]; median difference, 0 [95% CI, 0-0]; P = .03). These results suggest that intravenous administration of esketamine during the perioperative period of elective cesarean delivery can improve depression symptoms during the early postpartum period. However, this antidepression effect may not be universally applicable to patients with low EPDS scores. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100054199.

Association between handgrip strength and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study from a single Chinese center

BackgroundThe relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and depression in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) was unknown. Therefore, we aimed to clarify this association in a cohort of patients.MethodsHGS was used as a representative indicator of muscle strength and was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A multivariable logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to assess the relationship between HGS and depression.ResultsThe prevalence of depression in our study was 34% in 568 Chinese patients undergoing HD. Compared with patients in the lowest tertiles of absolute and weighted HGS, patients in the highest tertiles of HGS had an approximately 59% lower [odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.24–0.68; OR = 0.41, 95%CI = (0.24–0.69)] prevalence of depressive symptoms after multivariate adjustments. Besides, the risk of depression in hemodialysis patients decreased by 33% (OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.53–0.85) and 32% (OR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.54–0.85) for each standard deviation increase in absolute HGS and weighted HGS, respectively. The prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased with both increasing absolute HGS and weighted HGS after multivariate adjustments (p for trend < 0.05). Furthermore, a linear dose-response relationship was observed between absolute HGS and weighted HGS and the prevalence of depressive symptoms (pnonlinearity>0.05).ConclusionsThis study suggests that lower handgrip strength, a simple and modifiable parameter, is associated with a higher prevalence of depression in Chinese patients undergoing HD. Considering that depression is often unrecognized or underdiagnosed in HD patients, lowered muscle strength should be an important indicator and incentive for medical staff to screen for depression.