Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
Volume 56, Issue 7 , Pages 651-658, July 2003

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

  • Linda J Carroll

      Affiliations

    • Epidemiology Program and Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. 3080 RTF, 8308-114 Street, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E1. Tel.: 780-492-9767; fax: 780-492-6328.
    • ,
  • J.David Cassidy

      Affiliations

    • Epidemiology Program and Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    • Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    • ,
  • Pierre Côté

      Affiliations

    • Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    • Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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.

Keywords:  Depression, Low back pain, Neck pain

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PII: S0895-4356(03)00118-5

doi:10.1016/S0895-4356(03)00118-5

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
Volume 56, Issue 7 , Pages 651-658, July 2003

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