Depressive Symptoms Odds Ratio Research Articles

The relationship between different fatty acids intake and the depressive symptoms: A population-based study

BackgroundDepression is a common psychological disorder worldwide, affecting mental and physical health. Previous studies have explored the benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) intake in depressive symptoms; however, few studies have focused on the association between all types of fatty acids intake and depressive symptoms. Therefore, we explored the relationship between the intake of different fatty acids intake and the risk of depressive symptoms. MethodsThe study was based on the data from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a large US-based database. We used a nutrient residual model and multi-nutrient density model for the analysis. We calculated the nutrient density and residual in men and women separately, and the fatty acids intake was divided into quartiles based on the sex distribution. The relationship between the depressive symptoms and the intake of different fatty acids was examined using logistic regression; furthermore, we explored the relationships separately in men and women. ResultsThe intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and PUFAs, particularly n-3 and n-6 PUFAs, were associated with reduced odds ratios for depressive symptoms. The inverse relationship between the intake of MUFAs, PUFAs, n-3, and n-6 PUFAs and depressive symptoms was stronger in women. The inverse relationship between total fatty acid (TFAs) intake and depressive symptoms existed only in a single model. In contrast, saturated fatty acid (SFAs) intake was not related to depressive symptoms. ConclusionConsuming MUFAs and PUFAs can counteract the depressive symptoms, especially in women.

Association Between Economic Activity and Depressive Symptoms Among Women With Parenting Children.

Balancing parenting and work life poses challenges for women with children, potentially making them vulnerable to depression owing to their dual responsibilities. Investigating working mothers' mental health status is important on both the individual and societal levels. This study aimed to explore the relationship between economic activity participation and depressive symptoms among working mothers. This study was a cross-sectional study and used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. The participants in the study were women aged 19 to 50 who were residing with their children. In the total, 3,151 participants were used in the analysis. The independent variable was economic activity, categorized into two groups: 1) economically active and 2) economically inactive. The dependent variable was the depressive symptoms, categorized as present for a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥ 10 and absent for a score < 10. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between economic activity and depressive symptoms, and sensitivity analyses were performed based on the severity of depressive symptoms. Among women with children, economically active women had reduced odds ratio of depressive symptoms compared with economically inactive women (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.80). In additional analysis, women working as wage earners had the lowest odds of depressive symptoms (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.28-0.66). Women working an average of 40 hours or less per week were least likely to have depressive symptoms (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.25-0.69). Economic activity is significantly associated with depressive symptoms among women with children. Environmental support and policy approaches are needed to ensure that women remain economically active after childbirth.

Eating behaviors and depressive symptoms among Japanese workers: the Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study.

In addition to the potential effects of nutrients on mood, eating behaviors have been suggested to be associated with depressive symptoms. We investigated the prospective association between the accumulation of unhealthy eating behaviors and depressive symptoms in a Japanese working population. Participants were 914 workers (aged 19-68 years) who did not have depressive symptoms at baseline (April 2012 and May 2013) and attended a 3-year follow-up survey (April 2015 and May 2016). Unhealthy eating behaviors (skipping breakfast, eating dinner just before bedtime, and snacking after dinner) were assessed at baseline. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale at follow-up. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio of depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥16) at follow-up according to the number of unhealthy eating behaviors. In a model with adjustment of background factors, participants having 2-3 unhealthy eating behaviors at baseline had significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.21-3.38) compared with those having no such behaviors. After adjustment for occupational and lifestyle factors, the association was slightly attenuated but remained significant (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.10-3.21). This association was further attenuated and became statistically non-significant after additional adjustment for nutritional factors (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.96-2.90). Our results suggest that the accumulation of unhealthy eating behaviors is associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms and that this association may be partly ascribed to a lower intake of nutrients with mood-improving effects.

Association between Work-related Communication Devices Use during Work Outside of Regular Working Hours and Depressive Symptoms in Wage Workers

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between work-related communication devices use during work outside of regular working hours and depressive symptoms in wage workers. MethodsData from 50,538 workers aged 15 years or older who had participated in the 6th Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS) were used. The final sample was 32,994 wage workers. The questionnaire asked the respondents how often they used communication devices for work during work outside of regular working hours. Depressive symptoms were assessed using WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between work-related communication devices use during work outside of regular working hours and depressive symptoms. ResultsThe rate of depressive symptoms was highest among workers who did not use work-related communication devices during work outside of regular working hours. After adjusting for socio-demographic and work-related factors, the odds ratio of depressive symptoms among workers who used communication devices when working outside of regular working hours was 1.20 (95% CI: 1.09–1.32); the odds ratio of depressive symptoms in the group not using communication devices for free-time work was 1.66 (95% CI: 1.37–2.00), which was higher than that of the reference group, that is, workers who did not work outside of regular working hours, and was statistically significant. ConclusionRegardless of whether work-related communication devices are used, working outside of regular working hours increases depressive symptoms. The use of work-related communication devices during work outside of regular working hours can reduce the rate of depressive symptoms.

Adverse childhood experiences and depressive symptoms among middle-aged or older adults in China and the mediating role of short sleep duration

BackgroundLimited research has simultaneously examined the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), short sleep duration, and depressive symptoms among middle-aged or older Chinese adults. This study aims to investigate the association between ACEs and later-life depressive symptoms, and to examine the mediating role of short sleep duration (<6 h/night) in this association. MethodsData of 11,452 participants aged ≥45 years were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Information on ACEs, depressive symptoms, and sleep duration were reported via questionnaires. The mediating effect of short sleep duration in the association between ACEs and depressive symptoms was examined by Baron and Kenny's causal steps method and Karlson/Holm/Breen (KHB) method. ResultsCompared to non-exposed group, exposure to ACEs was significantly associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms in a dose-response pattern. The odds ratio of depressive symptoms increased from 1.27 (95 % CI: 1.11–1.46) for one ACE to 3.38 (95 % CI: 2.92–3.90) for ≥4 ACEs. The KHB method identified significant mediating role of short sleep duration in the association between experiencing three or more ACEs and depressive symptoms, with the proportional mediation estimated at 8.96 % and 8.85 % for the groups with 3 ACEs and ≥4 ACEs, respectively. The results were consistent across genders and gender did not moderate these associations. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design limited the ability to make causal inference. ConclusionsACEs were positively associated with depressive symptoms, and short sleep duration partially mediated this association. Promoting optimal sleep duration among ACE-exposed individuals might improve their mental health.

Vliv socioekonomického statusu na výskyt depresivních symptomů v populaci Česka – výsledky EHIS 2019

This paper examines the effect of socioeconomic factors (including achieved level of educational attainment, economic activity, and income) on the occurrence of depressive symptoms in the Czech population. The analyses are based on the cross-sectional European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) from 2019. The results of these analyses show the individual and also combined effect of education, economic activity, and income. The odds ratio of depressive symptoms is the highest among respondents with primary education, those who are unemployed, and those with lower income. Socioeconomic status is significantly associated with depressive symptoms.

Incremental Increases in Non-Exercise Estimated Fitness Reduce Subsequent Depressive Symptoms

The purpose of this observational retrospective cohort study was to examine the association between non-exercise estimated Cardiorespiratory Fitness (eCRF) and incident depressive symptoms. A total of 14,431 participants from the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study cohort between February 5, 1979 and December 31, 1998, were followed for incident depressive symptoms through December 31, 1999. Depressive symptoms were determined by the CES-D 10 item questionnaire. eCRF in MET was determined from a non-exercise algorithm developed by Jackson and further grouped into sex-specific tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. 11.7% of men and 14.8% of women developed depressive symptoms after a mean of 12 follow- up years. In the overall sample, the odds ratio of depressive symptoms was 0.84 (95% CI 0.74-0.95) times lower in the middle eCRF tertile than in the lower tertile and was 0.74 (95% CI 0.66-0.85) times lower in the highest tertile. Each 1-MET increase in fitness reduced the odds ratio for depressive symptoms by 0.91 times (95% CI 0.89-0.93). The pattern of the association between eCRF and incident depressive symptoms was consistent between men and women, however, the magnitude of the risk reduction was smaller in women than in men. eCRF is a useful predictor of depressive symptoms. The non-traditional way of estimating CRF might provide more clinical utility compared to CRF measured using standard exercise protocols.

Association between exposure to violence, job stress and depressive symptoms among gig economy workers in Korea.

Gig workers, also known as platform workers, are independent workers who are not employed by any particular company. The number of gig economy workers has rapidly increased worldwide in the past decade. There is a dearth of occupational health studies among gig economy workers. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to violence and job stress in gig economy workers and depressive symptoms. A total of 955 individuals (521 gig workers and 434 general workers) participated in this study and variables were measured through self-report questionnaires. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 when the score was greater than or equal to 10 points. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, working hours, education level, exposure to violence and job stress. 19% of gig economy workers reported depressive symptoms, while only 11% of general workers reported the depressive symptoms. In association to depressive symptoms among gig economy workers, the mainly result of odds ratios for depressive symptoms were as follows: 1.81 for workers type, 3.53 for humiliating treatment, 2.65 for sexual harassment, 3.55 for less than three meals per day, 3.69 for feeling too tired to do housework after leaving work. Gig economic workers are exposed to violence and job stress in the workplace more than general workers, and the proportion of workers reporting depressive symptoms is also high. These factors are associated to depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the gig workers associated between depressive symptoms and exposure to violence, job stress.

Depression and Related Factors in Korean Adults During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak.

We aimed to determine the status of depression and its related factors among adult Koreans during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. We used data from the 2020 Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS). We assessed depressive feelings and symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9 ≥10). In addition, we assessed general and COVID-19-related characteristics, including isolation due to and concerns about COVID-19. We analyzed the data using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses. The rates of depressive feelings and symptoms were 5.9% and 2.9%, respectively. Of the adult respondents, 68.5% were concerned about COVID-19, while 75.9% were concerned about economic harm due to COVID-19. The adjusted odds ratios for depressive symptoms assessed using the PHQ-9 were significantly high among women responders, adults aged 19-44 years, low-income households, those who experienced COVID-19-related symptoms, and those concerned about death due to COVID-19 and economic harm due to COVID-19. Similar results were obtained for depressive feeling. Concerns related to COVID-19 infection are related to depression. This suggests that COVID-19 significantly affects mental health. Therefore, during public health crises, such as new communicable diseases, mental health and the incidence of the infectious disease require assessment and monitoring.

The Social and Psychological Impact of Acne Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study of Blood Donors.

Acne in adolescence and adulthood is believed to have a long-term impact on socioeconomic status (SES) and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in adults. To estimate the cross-sectional prevalence of medically treated (MedTreAc) and untreated acne (UnTreAc) and to characterize its long-term impact in adults. A nationwide cross-sectional study on 17 428 blood donors aged 18-35 was performed. Associations among acne and HRQoL, depressive symptoms, total income, and SES were investigated via linear/logistic/multinomial logistic regression analyses adjusted for relevant covariables. HRQoL was measured by the Short Form-12, and depressive symptoms by the Major Depression Inventory. The data were self-reported. Of the participants, 3591 (20.6%) and 1354 (7.8%) identified as the MedTreAc and UnTreAc phenotype, respectively. Neither phenotype was associated with a long-term impact on total income, but the MedTreAc group was associated with being an apprentice/student (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.42; P = 1.3×10-4) or high skill-level employee (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07; 1.39, P = .0023), while self-employment was more common for those with UnTreAc (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.06, P = .0061). Additionally, the UnTreAc group was associated with a lower mental HRQoL (SF-12 mental component summary score -1.05, 95% CI: -1.56, -0.54; P = 1.4×10-9) and increased odds ratio of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.02, P = .046). In this population of blood donors, the cumulative prevalence of MedTreAc and UnTreAc were 20.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Untreated acne had a long-term impact on psychosocial well-being in adulthood. It was associated with lower mental HRQoL and higher occurrence of depressive symptoms. Acne was not associated with a lower salary or SES.

The Association between Perceived Discrimination and Mental Health of Wage Workers with Disabilities: Findings from the Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled 2016-2018.

Despite efforts to integrate society, persons with disabilities (PWD) still experience considerable discrimination. Therefore, this study examined the association between experiences of discrimination and stress/depressive symptoms in wage working PWD. This study used data from the Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled 2016–2018 in South Korea. This study included 1566 wage working PWD aged 15–64. The dependent variable was stress and depressive symptoms, and the independent variable was the experience of discrimination due to disability in daily life (Never, Rarely, Often, and Regularly) and the experience of discrimination at the workplace (0, 1, 2, ≥3). This study used a generalized estimating equations model to consider the repeated measurement data. Wage working PWD who experienced more discrimination in their daily life due to disability and at workplaces showed a higher odds ratio (OR) of stress and depressive symptoms than those who did not experience discrimination. As a result of the analysis including both discrimination experiences, those who always experienced discrimination due to disability in daily life had the highest OR to stress and depression (OR = 2.64, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.37–5.08; OR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.58–9.56, respectively). According to the experience at workplaces, wage working PWD who faced discrimination by two factors (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.22–2.25) had the highest OR of stress, and those who experienced three or more factors had the highest OR of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.83–2.11). Discrimination due to disability in daily life was more associated with the mental distress of working PWD than discrimination at workplaces. For the mental health of working PWD, not only policies or systems to eliminate discrimination in the workplace, but also overall social integration efforts based on improving awareness, are needed so that they do not experience discrimination in their daily life.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Since previous meta-analyses, which were limited only to depression and by a small number of studies available for inclusion at the time of publication, several additional studies have been published assessing the link between ultra-processed food consumption and depression as well as other mental disorders. We aimed to build on previously conducted reviews to synthesise and meta-analyse the contemporary evidence base and clarify the associations between the consumption of ultra-processed food and mental disorders. A total of 17 observational studies were included (n = 385,541); 15 cross-sectional and 2 prospective. Greater ultra-processed food consumption was cross-sectionally associated with increased odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms, both when these outcomes were assessed together (common mental disorder symptoms odds ratio: 1.53, 95%CI 1.43 to 1.63) as well as separately (depressive symptoms odds ratio: 1.44, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.82; and, anxiety symptoms odds ratio: 1.48, 95%CI 1.37 to 1.59). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of prospective studies demonstrated that greater ultra-processed food intake was associated with increased risk of subsequent depression (hazard ratio: 1.22, 95%CI 1.16 to 1.28). While we found evidence for associations between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse mental health, further rigorously designed prospective and experimental studies are needed to better understand causal pathways.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Depressive and Social Anxiety Symptoms Among Children and Adolescents Aged 7-17 Years, Stratified by Body Composition.

BackgroundRare studies investigated the associations between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption with depressive and social anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents, particularly in different stratification of body composition, which was our purpose.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of children and adolescents aged 7–17 years was conducted in Beijing, China, in 2020, with an average age of 12.07 (SD: 3.09) years. Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) questionnaires and social anxiety scale for children (SASC) were completed in the baseline questionnaires. SSB consumption and body composition were assessed using child-reported questionnaires and a GE Healthcare Lunar iDXA dual-energy X-ray bone densitometer. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the associations between SSB consumption with depressive and social anxiety symptoms. Confounders were evaluated by child-reported and parental questionnaires, including age, sex, parental educational attainment, maternal smoking status, single-child status, BMI, incomes, fruit consumption, physical activity, screen time, and the frequency of fried food consumption. Stratified analyses were performed to explore whether the associations were influenced by body composition.ResultsA total of 1,311 children and adolescents, including 658 boys and 653 girls, were included in the final analysis. There were 13.96 and 29.75% of the study population with depressive and social anxiety symptoms, respectively. Overall, about 63.77% of the children and adolescents consumed SSB, and the average SSB intake was 0.35 servings per day. In the fully adjusted model, compared to participants who did not consume SSB each day, SSB consumption of ≥1 servings/day was positively associated with depressive symptoms [odds ratio (OR) = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.30–4.01] and social anxiety (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.69–1.77), though the latter did not reach statistical significance. When individuals had higher body fat or lower fat-free mass (FFM) or muscle, the ORs of depressive symptoms were more evident among children and adolescents who drank SSB for ≥1 servings/day (P < 0.05).ConclusionHigher consumption of SSB could be associated with increased OR of depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. The association remained robust, especially in groups with higher body fat or lower fat-free mass or muscle.

Gender discrimination in workplace and depressive symptoms in female employees in South Korea

BackgroundWorkplace gender discrimination (WGD) may have long-term negative impacts on female workers' mental health. We aimed to investigate the association between WGD and the prevalence of depressive symptoms using a nationally representative sample of female employees in South Korea. MethodsData of 3190 adult female employees were obtained from the 2018 nationwide Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families. Women's perception of WGD was assessed using a 6-item questionnaire. Respondents were classified into high, medium, and low levels of WGD according to the 25th and 75th percentile scores. A score of ≥10 on the 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies for Depression Scale was defined as having significant depressive symptoms. ResultsA high level of WGD was significantly associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) for depressive symptoms compared to the low level (OR = 1.87, 95% confidence interval = 1.45–2.41). In the subgroup analyses, high WGD levels were associated with the highest OR for depressive symptoms in the following subgroups: younger age (19–39 years), those with a college degree, non-standard workers, pink collar workers, those with a workplace size of 10–29 employees, those with high levels of job autonomy, or low levels of emotional labor. LimitationsCausal interpretation is limited owing to the study's cross-sectional design. ConclusionsA high level of perceived WGD was associated with depressive symptoms among female employees. Certain groups of female employees may be particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of WGD on depression.

Relationship between chronotype and depressive symptoms among newly hired hospital nurses in the Republic of Korea

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between chronotype and depressive symptoms to provide grounded knowledge in establishing nurses' health promotion strategies. The subjects of this study were 493 newly hired nurses working in 2 general hospitals within the university from September 2018 to September 2020. Sociodemographic and work-related characteristics were collected from a medical examination database and a self-reported questionnaire. These included sex, age, marital status, living situation, education level, alcohol consumption, physical activity, prior work experience before 3 months, workplace, and departments. To analyze the associations between the chronotype and depressive symptoms, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs). Among participants, 9.1% had depressive symptoms and 16.4% had insomnia. The subjects are divided into morningness (30.2%), intermediate (48.7%), and eveningness (21.1%). The multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for age, living status, education level, alcohol consumption, physical activity, workplace, prior work experience before 3 months, and insomnia, revealed that the OR of depressive symptoms in the eveningness group was 3.71 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50-9.18) compared to the morningness group, and the R2 value was 0.151. It also can be confirmed that insomnia symptoms have a statistically significant effect on depressive symptoms (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.03-4.52). Our findings suggest that evening-type nurses are more likely to have depression than morning-type nurses. We should consider interventions in a high-risk group such as the evening type nurses to reduce depressive symptoms in nurses.

Green Tea Consumption and Depressive Symptoms among Japanese Workers: The Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study.

Although several cross-sectional studies have described an inverse association between green tea consumption and depressive symptoms, only one study has prospectively investigated this association. We investigated the cross-sectional and prospective associations between green tea consumption and depressive symptoms in a working population in Japan. Participants were 1987 workers who participated in the baseline survey for a cross-sectional association, and 916 participants who did not have depressive symptoms at baseline who responded to both the baseline and follow-up surveys for a prospective association. Green tea consumption was evaluated with a validated self-administered diet history questionnaire. Depression symptoms were evaluated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to estimate the odds ratio of depressive symptoms based on green tea consumption. In the cross-sectional analysis, green tea consumption was not associated with the prevalence of depression symptoms. Moreover, consumption at baseline was not associated with depression symptoms after 3 years; the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio of depressive symptoms for ≥2 cups/day of green tea was 1.12 (95% confidence interval 0.65–1.91) compared with <4 cups/week after adjustment for covariates including dietary factors (trend p = 0.67). Our results suggest that there is no association of consumption of green tea with symptoms of depression in Japanese.

1265Association between fruit and vegetable intake and depressive symptoms over 15 years in young women

Abstract Background The role of higher intake of fruit and vegetables has been of particular interest as a novel approach to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms. This study examined the association between fruit and vegetable intake and depressive symptoms in the 1973-78 cohort in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health. Methods A total of 4241 women with a mean age of 27.6 (SD 1.5) years were followed up at five surveys over 15 years starting from 2003. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression-10 scale with a cut off &amp;gt; 10 indicated depressive symptoms. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed using short questions. Multiple imputations with generalised estimating equations models were performed to estimate odds ratio of depressive symptoms according to fruit and vegetable intake. Results Fruit and vegetables were cross-sectionally associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms. In longitudinal analysis, higher intake of fruit (&amp;gt; 4 servings) and vegetable (&amp;gt; 5 servings) was consistently associated with a reduced odds of depressive symptoms, with a 25% reduced odds (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57, 0.98, p = 0.032) and a 19% reduced odds (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.70, 0.94, p = 0.008) respectively. Conclusions These findings suggest that a higher intake of fruit and vegetables was associated with a lower risk of depression symptoms over 15 years from a population-based prospective study of Australian women. Key messages Increasing intake of fruit and vegetables in the younger population may be a promising approach to reducing the risk of depressive symptoms in the long run.

Prospective study on the association between serum amino acid profiles and depressive symptoms among the Japanese working population

ObjectiveAccumulating evidence suggests that amino acids, particularly tryptophan and glutamate, play an important role in the pathology of depression, but prospective epidemiologic data on this issue is scarce. We examined the association between circulating amino acids and the risk of depressive symptoms in a Japanese working population.MethodsParticipants were 841 workers who were free from depressive symptoms and provided blood at baseline and completed 3-yr follow-up survey. 30 varieties of amino acid concentrations in serum were measured using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Depressive symptoms were defined using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios of depressive symptoms according to serum amino acids with adjustment for lifestyle factors.ResultsA total of 151 (18.0%) workers were newly identified as having depressive symptoms at the follow-up. Baseline tryptophan and glutamate concentrations in serum were not appreciably associated with the risk of depressive symptoms. Risk of depressive symptoms tended to increase with increasing arginine concentrations; the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for the highest versus lowest tertile of serum arginine was 1.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.96–2.83; P for trend = 0.07). No clear association was found for other amino acids.ConclusionsResults of the present study do not support a significant role of circulating amino acids in the development of depressive symptoms among Japanese.

Effect of long working hours and insomnia on depressive symptoms among employees of Chinese internet companies

BackgroundIn China, long working hours and insomnia are relatively common among internet company employees. Considering that both can affect mental health, we examined their independent and interaction effects on these employees’ depressive symptoms (DS).MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2016 occupational health questionnaire survey conducted in 35 large-, medium-, and small-scale internet companies. Overall, 3589 full-time employees were recruited to evaluate the association among working hours, insomnia, and DS. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess DS. The association of DS (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) with working hours (≤40, 41–50, 51–60, and > 60 h/week), insomnia (with or without), and interaction of both was estimated using multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsCompared with the group working for ≤40 h/week, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for DS among participants who worked for 41–50 h/week, 51–60 h/week, and > 60 h/week were 1.32 (1.11–1.56), 1.74 (1.35–2.24), and 2.54 (1.90–3.39), respectively. The ORs for DS among those with insomnia were 2.36 (2.04–2.74) after adjusting for general characteristics. The ORs for DS related to insomnia were similar [1.91 (1.46–2.50), 2.00 (1.61–2.50), respectively] in the participants who worked for < 50 h/week. However, among participants working for 51–60 h or > 60 h/week, the adjusted ORs for DS substantially increased to 4.62 (2.90–7.37) and 5.60 (3.36–9.33), respectively. Moreover, among the participants with insomnia, working overtime showed a greater association with DS.ConclusionsWe showed that long working hours and insomnia are independent factors associated with the prevalence of DS; furthermore, an interaction effect of long working hours and insomnia on DS was observed. For relieving DS in internet company employees, it is important to reduce insomnia.

한국 성인의 성별에 따른 흡연유형과 우울, 스트레스, 주관적 건강상태

Objectives: This study investigated the association between the types of tobacco used and depressive symptoms, stress, and self-rated health based on gender differences. Methods: A total of 4,747 participants comprising 2,102 males and 2,645 females from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey program were categorized into five groups according to the type of tobacco used. Depressive symptoms, stress, and self-rated health were assessed through a questionnaire. A complex samples logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: For male, current smokers had a higher odds ratio (OR) of 1.807 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.291–2.529) for stress than non-smokers. The OR for self-rated health among ex-smokers and e-cigarette users was 3.028 (95% CI, 1.529–5.995) times higher than non-smokers. For female, the OR for depressive symptoms among current smokers and e-cigarette users was 6.012 (95% CI, 2.937-12.309) times higher than non-smokers. Conclusion: There were gender differences in the association between the tobacco type used and mental health. And smokers had a higher risk of depression, stress, and self-rated health than non-smokers.