Depression and physical health multimorbidity: primary data and country-wide meta-analysis of population data from 190 593 people across 43 low- and middle-income countries

Depression in disabling medical conditions - current perspectives

Chronic diseases commonly entail disability and are highly comorbid with mental health problems, particularly depression. Prevalence of depression across different disabling conditions affecting adult patients, as well as risk factors for depression in these patient groups are reviewed in the current work, with a particular focus on the literature published in the past 5 years. The prevalence of depression in disabling conditions is higher than in the general population and is associated with different factors. Examples of disease-specific factors include neurological implications of stoke, diabetic related conditions (e.g. amputation), limitations imposed by vision loss caused by age-related eye diseases, fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis, and pain in cancer. Common factors identified across different conditions include pre-morbid depression, history of mental health problems, poor social support, disease-related disability, multi-morbidity, and less adaptive coping strategies. We also reviewed studies suggesting a potential bidirectional relationship between depression and chronic disease, particularly for stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and potential factors mediating that relationship. Current findings suggested that long-term depression might be associated with an increased risk of subsequent physical health problems, although the nature of that relationship and its underlying mechanisms are still unclear.

Tuberculosis and Non-Communicable Disease Multimorbidity: An Analysis of the World Health Survey in 48 Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). TB multimorbidity [TB and ≥1 non-communicable diseases (NCDs)] is common, but studies are sparse. Cross-sectional, community-based data including adults from 21 low-income countries and 27 middle-income countries were utilized from the World Health Survey. Associations between 9 NCDs and TB were assessed with multivariable logistic regression analysis. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were calculated using disability weights provided by the 2017 Global Burden of Disease Study. Eight out of 9 NCDs (all except visual impairment) were associated with TB (odds ratio (OR) ranging from 1.38-4.0). Prevalence of self-reported TB increased linearly with increasing numbers of NCDs. Compared to those with no NCDs, those who had 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 NCDs had 2.61 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.14-3.22), 4.71 (95%CI = 3.67-6.11), 6.96 (95%CI = 4.95-9.87), 10.59 (95%CI = 7.10-15.80), and 19.89 (95%CI = 11.13-35.52) times higher odds for TB. Among those with TB, the most prevalent combinations of NCDs were angina and depression, followed by angina and arthritis. For people with TB, the YLDs were three times higher than in people without multimorbidity or TB, and a third of the YLDs were attributable to NCDs. Urgent research to understand, prevent and manage NCDs in people with TB in LMICs is needed.

Synaptic Microenvironment in Depressive Disorder: Insights from Synaptic Plasticity

Depression is a major disease that can affect both mental and physical health, limits psychosocial functioning and diminishes the quality of life. But its complex pathogenesis remains poorly understood. The dynamic changes of synaptic structure and function, known as synaptic plasticity, occur with the changes of different cellular microenvironment and are closely related to learning and memory function. Accumulating evidence implies that synaptic plasticity is integrally involved in the pathological changes of mood disorders, especially in depressive disorder. However, the complex dynamic process of synaptic plasticity is influenced by many factors. Here, we reviewed and discussed various factors affecting synaptic plasticity in depression, and proposed a specific framework named synaptic microenvironment, which may be critical for synaptic plasticity under pathological conditions. Based on this concept, we will show how we understand the balance between the synaptic microenvironment and the synaptic plasticity network in depression. Finally, we point out the clinical significance of the synaptic microenvironment in depression.

Independent and combined associations of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, TV viewing, and physical activity with severe depressive symptoms among 59,402 adults

Objective:

Our aim was to analyze the association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and depressive symptoms, as well as the extent to which TV viewing and physical activity moderate this association.

Methods:

We used cross-sectional data from the 2013 Brazilian National Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde) of 59,402 adults (33,482 women, mean age = 42.9 years, 95%CI 42.7-43.2 years). Depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), physical activity, TV viewing, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, as well as potential confounders (chronological age, ethnicity, consumption of candy/sweets and fruit, multimorbidity, education, and employment status) were self-reported. Poisson regression models were used for association analyses.

Results:

The consumption of 16 or more glasses/week of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with higher levels of severe depressive symptoms among women compared to no consumption (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.71 [95%CI 1.38-2.11]). Consistent interactions were observed between 1-5 glasses and TV viewing (PR 2.09 [95%CI 1.06-4.12]) and between 11-15 glasses and TV viewing (PR 2.90 [95%CI 1.29-6.50]) among men compared to no consumption, given that the co-occurrence of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and elevated TV viewing was associated with higher odds of severe depressive symptoms. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption did not interact with physical activity, only presenting an independent association.

Conclusion:

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was independently associated with severe depressive symptoms among women and interacted with TV viewing, but not with physical activity among men.

Prevalence and associated socioeconomic factors of multimorbidity in 10 regions of China: an analysis of 0.5 million adults

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of multiple chronic conditions in China is poorly understood. We investigated the prevalence of multimorbidity among the middle-aged and elderly population in China and analyzed its demographic and socioeconomic correlates.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the baseline of the China Kadoorie Biobank Study, which recruited over 0.5 million participants between 2004 and 2008. We calculated the prevalence by the characteristics of multimorbidity. The demographic and socioeconomic correlates were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

15.9% of the participants were multimorbid. Although the prevalence of multimorbidity increased with age, the absolute number of people with multimorbidity was much higher among middle-aged adults (30-60 years, n = 42 041) than the elderly group (>60 years, n = 38 834). The odd of multimorbidity was higher in males (aOR =1.09, 95% CI: 1.07-1.11) and among those who were unemployed (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.55-1.62). Those who received the highest level of education were most likely to be multimorbid compared with those with no education (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.09-1.19). Such an association was similar when treating multimorbidity as multinomial variable.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimorbidity is a public health concern, with higher prevalence among the elderly, males and those who belong to a lower socioeconomic stratum. Actions are needed to curb multimorbidity epidemic in China.

Risk of Hospitalized Falls and Hip Fractures in 22,103 Older Adults Receiving Mental Health Care vs 161,603 Controls: A Large Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the risk of hospitalized fall or hip fracture among older adults using mental health services.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Residents of a South London catchment aged >60 years receiving specialist mental health care between 2008 and 2016.

MEASURES

Falls and/or a hip fracture leading to hospitalization were ascertained from linked national records. Incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were age- and gender-standardized to the catchment population. Multivariable survival analyses were applied investigating falls and/or hip fractures as outcomes.

RESULTS

In 22,103 older adults, incidence rates were 60.1 per 1000 person-years for hospitalized falls and 13.7 per 1000 person-years for hip fractures, representing standardized IRRs of 2.17 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.07-2.28] and 4.18 (3.79-4.60), respectively. The IRR for falls was high in those with substance-use disorder [IRR = 6.72 (5.35-8.33)], bipolar disorder [IRR = 3.62 (2.50-5.05)], depression [IRR = 2.28 (2.00-2.59)], and stress-related disorders [IRR = 2.57 (2.10-3.11)]. Hip fractures were increased in all populations (IRR > 2.5), with greatest risk in substance use disorders [IRR = 12.64 (7.22-20.52)], dementia [IRR = 4.38 (3.82-5.00)], and delirium [IRR = 4.03 (3.00-5.29)]. Comparing mental disorder subgroups with each other, after the adjustment for 25 potential confounders, patients with dementia and substance use had a significantly increased risk of falls, and patients with dementia also had an increased risk of hip fractures.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Older people using mental health services have more than double the incidence of falls and 4 times the incidence of hip fractures compared to the general population. Although incidences differ between diagnostic subgroups, all groups have a higher incidence than the general population. Targeted interventions to prevent falls and hip fractures among older adult mental health service users are urgently needed.

HIV and three dimensions of Wisdom: Association with cognitive function and physical and mental well-being: For: Psychiatry Research

Wisdom is a unique human personality trait with cognitive, affective or compassionate, and reflective dimensions. We evaluated relationships of three specific dimensions of wisdom with cognitive function and physical and mental well-being in people with HIV (PWH) and HIV-negative (HIV-) participants. Subjects included 138 adults (61 PWH, 77 HIV-) from the San Diego community. Validated measures were used to assess wisdom and well-being. Cognitive function was assessed via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. We conducted multivariate linear regressions to evaluate the associations of wisdom dimensions with cognitive function and physical and mental well-being. Compared to the HIV- group, PWH had lower mean scores on cognitive function, and physical and mental well-being, and cognitive and reflective dimensions of wisdom, but similar scores on affective or compassionate wisdom. Among PWH, higher total wisdom scores were associated with older age, lower likelihood of substance dependence, greater mental well-being, better cognitive function, higher resilience, social support, and optimism scores, as well as lower levels of perceived stress and nadir CD4 count. Our findings of an association of different dimensions of wisdom with physical and/or mental well-being in PWH would point to a possibility that enhancing these dimensions of wisdom might improve health outcomes in PWH.

Relationships between Chronic Diseases and Depression among Middle-aged and Elderly People in China: A Prospective Study from CHARLS

Given the rapid increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases in aging populations, this prospective study including 17 707 adults aged ≥45 years from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study was used to estimate the associations between chronic disease, multimorbidity, and depression among middle-aged and elderly adults in China, and explore the mediating factors. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) questionnaire. Twelve chronic physical conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, cancer, chronic lung disease, liver disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, arthritis or rheumatism, asthma, digestive disease were assessed. The prevalence rates for physical multimorbidity and depression (CES-D-10 ≥10) were 43.23% and 36.62%, respectively. Through multivariable logistic models and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models, we found all 12 chronic physical conditions, and multimorbidity were significantly associated with depression. Both mobility problems and chronic pain explained more than 30% of the association for all chronic conditions, with particularly high percentages for stroke (51.56%) and cancer (51.06%) in mobility problems and cancer (53.35%) in chronic pain. Limited activities of daily living (ADL) explained 34.60% of the stroke-cancer relationship, while sleep problems explained between 10.15% (stroke) and 14.89% (chronic lung disease) of the association. Individuals with chronic diseases or multimorbidity are significantly more likely to be depressed. Functional symptoms involving limitations of ADL and mobility difficulties mediated much of the association between chronic diseases and incident depression. These symptoms could be targeted for interventions to ameliorate the incidence of depression among individuals with chronic conditions.

Multimorbidity of chronic non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review

Background:

Multimorbidity is rising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the evidence on its epidemiology from LMICs settings is limited and the available literature has not been synthesized as yet.

Objectives:

To review the available evidence on the epidemiology of multimorbidity in LMICs.

Methods:

PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO and Grey literature databases were searched. We followed the PRISMA-ScR reporting guideline.

Results:

Of 33, 110 articles retrieved, 76 studies were eligible for the epidemiology of multimorbidity. Of these 76 studies, 66 (86.8%) were individual country studies. Fifty-two (78.8%) of which were confined to only six middle-income countries: Brazil, China, South Africa, India, Mexico and Iran. The majority (n = 68, 89.5%) of the studies were crosssectional in nature. The sample size varied from 103 to 242, 952. The largest proportion (n = 33, 43.4%) of the studies enrolled adults. Marked variations existed in defining and measuring multimorbidity. The prevalence of multimorbidity in LMICs ranged from 3.2% to 90.5%.

Conclusion and Recommendations:

Studies on the epidemiology of multimorbidity in LMICs are limited and the available ones are concentrated in few countries. Despite variations in measurement and definition, studies consistently reported high prevalence of multimorbidity. Further research is urgently required to better understand the epidemiology of multimorbidity and define the best possible interventions to improve outcomes of patients with multimorbidity in LMICs.

The link between parental psychological control, depressive symptoms and epigenetic changes in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1)

AIMS

This paper examines the relationship between parental Psychological Control (PC) and depressive symptoms in adolescents and assesses whether this relationship was mediated by DNA methylation, focusing on the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), which plays a crucial role in HPA-axis functioning and is linked to environmental stress and depression. This is among the very few studies that looked at the relation between DNA methylation, environmental stress and depression in family trios.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of 250 families: father, mother and a biologically related adolescent (adolescents (48.9% boys), mean age: 15.14, SD= 1.9; mean age mothers: 45.83, SD= 4.2; mean age fathers: 47.77, SD= 4.7). Depressive symptoms and PC were measured in adolescents and in both parents. DNA methylation levels in NR3C1 were examined in all participants.

RESULTS

Depressive symptoms in adolescents were predicted by PC of both mothers and fathers. Moreover, maternal depressive symptoms were associated with maternal PC, and fathers' depressive symptoms and PC. In fathers, only the level of their self-reported PC was associated with their depressive symptoms. There was no relation between adolescents' DNA methylation and depressive symptoms or the level of parental PC. Yet, there was a significant association between maternal depressive symptoms and maternal epigenetic patterns in NR3C1.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the need for more research in order to better understand the biological and contextual mechanisms through which parenting and parental emotional well-being is related to the development of psychopathology.

Risk factors of hospitalization for any medical condition among patients with prior emergency department visits for mental health conditions

BACKGROUND

This longitudinal study identified risk factors for frequency of hospitalization among patients with any medical condition who had previously visited one of six Quebec (Canada) emergency departments (ED) at least once for mental health (MH) conditions as the primary diagnosis.

METHODS

Records of n = 11,367 patients were investigated using administrative databanks (2012-13/2014-15). Hospitalization rates in the 12 months after a first ED visit in 2014-15 were categorized as no hospitalizations (0 times), moderate hospitalizations (1-2 times), and frequent hospitalizations (3+ times). Based on the Andersen Behavioral Model, data on risk factors were gathered for the 2 years prior to the first visit in 2014-15, and were identified as predisposing, enabling or needs factors. They were tested using a hierarchical multinomial logistic regression according to the three groups of hospitalization rate.

RESULTS

Enabling factors accounted for the largest percentage of total variance explained in the study model, followed by needs and predisposing factors. Co-occurring mental disorders (MD)/substance-related disorders (SRD), alcohol-related disorders, depressive disorders, frequency of consultations with outpatient psychiatrists, prior ED visits for any medical condition and number of physicians consulted in specialized care, were risk factors for both moderate and frequent hospitalizations. Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, and age (except 12-17 years) were risk factors for moderate hospitalizations, while higher numbers (4+) of overall interventions in local community health service centers were a risk factor for frequent hospitalizations only. Patients with personality disorders, drug-related disorders, suicidal behaviors, and those who visited a psychiatric ED integrated with a general ED in a separate site, or who visited a general ED without psychiatric services were also less likely to be hospitalized. Less urgent and non-urgent illness acuity prevented moderate hospitalizations only.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with severe and complex health conditions, and higher numbers of both prior outpatient psychiatrist consultations and ED visits for medical conditions had more moderate and frequent hospitalizations as compared with non-hospitalized patients. Patients at risk for frequent hospitalizations were more vulnerable overall and had important biopsychosocial problems. Improved primary care and integrated outpatient services may prevent post-ED hospitalization.

The onset and accumulation of physical multimorbidity in severe and common mental disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite of the heightened risks and burdens of physical comorbidities across the entire spectrum of mental disorders, relatively little is known about physical multimorbidity in this population. The aim of this narrative review is to present recent data regarding the onset and accumulation of physical multimorbidity and to assess its impact on the onset, course, treatment, and outcomes of mental disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

A substantial body of literature shows increased risk of physical multimorbidity among people with mental disorders. The disparity in physical multimorbidity occurs even before the diagnosis of mental disorder, and the younger age group appears to be at particular risk. Numerous patterns of association between mental disorders and medical disorders involving multiple organ systems have been identified. Physical multimorbidity affects people with mental disorders across their life spans, is associated with a wide range of unfavorable outcomes and presents significant clinical and public health concerns.

SUMMARY

To address physical health inequalities among people with mental disorders compared with the general population, we must focus on the physical health from the very first point of contact with a mental health service. Treatment of mental disorders must be customized to meet the needs of patients with different physical multimorbidity patterns. Future work is needed to clarify how physical multimorbidity influences mental disorder treatment outcomes.

Perceived stress and depression in 45 low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

There is limited research examining the association between perceived stress and depression using large population-based datasets, particularly from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the association between perceived stress and depression in 45 LMICs.

METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional, predominantly nationally representative data from the World Health Survey. A perceived stress score [range 2 (lowest stress) -10 (highest stress)] was computed based on two questions from the Perceived Stress Scale. DSM-IV depression was based on past 12-month symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression analysis (adjusting for sex and age) and meta-analysis were used to examine the associations.

RESULTS

Data on 232,243 adults aged ≥18 years were analyzed. The overall mean (SD) perceived stress score was 4.8 (2.2), while the prevalence of depression was 6.2% (95%CI=5.9%-6.5%). Overall, there was a linear increase in the prevalence of depression with increasing perceived stress scores [i.e., score 2 (1.9%) to score 10 (22.0%)]. Country-wise analysis showed that higher perceived stress levels were significantly associated with increased odds for depression in all countries with the exception of Georgia and Vietnam. The results of the meta-analysis showed that a one-unit increase in the perceived stress score was associated with a 1.40 (95%CI=1.35-1.44) times higher odds for depression.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional nature of the study limits interpretations about causation.

CONCLUSION

Perceived stress is positively associated with depression across the globe. Future longitudinal and intervention studies from LMICs are warranted to elucidate the potential impact of addressing stress on depression in this setting.

The role of physical activity in the association between multimorbidity and depressive symptoms: Data from 60,202 adults from the Brazilian National Health Survey

OBJECTIVE

Depression is commonly associated to physical multimorbidity and there is an urgent need to identify modifiable risk factors. Physical activity (PA) is good for health, but the association between PA and multimorbidity with depressive symptoms is unclear. Thus, we investigated whether meeting weekly recommended PA guidelines influences the association between multimorbidity and depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Data were used from a national survey conducted in Brazil in 2013 with 60,202 adults (≥ 18 years). Information regarding depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), PA, and chronic disease was collected via interview-administered questionnaires. Data on covariates (age, educational status, employment status, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and TV-viewing) were also assessed. Adjusted logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

Overall, men and women with one or more chronic conditions who were inactive (engaging in <150 min PA per week) had higher odds of elevated depressive symptoms than active individuals with no chronic condition. However, only in men, physical inactivity interacts with heart disease (OR: 2.59; 95%CI: 1.10 to 6.09), cancer (OR: 21.54; 95%CI: 2.67 to 173.94) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR: 8.26; 95%CI: 2.20 to 31.01) regarding elevated depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that engaging in weekly recommended PA targets may attenuate association of heart disease, cancer and COPD with depressive symptoms among men.

COVID-19-Related Factors Associated with Sleep Disturbance and Suicidal Thoughts among the Taiwanese Public: A Facebook Survey

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted many aspects of people's lives all over the world. This Facebook survey study aimed to investigate the COVID-19-related factors that were associated with sleep disturbance and suicidal thoughts among members of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. The online survey recruited 1970 participants through a Facebook advertisement. Their self-reported experience of sleep disturbance and suicidal thoughts in the previous week were collected along with a number of COVID-19-related factors, including level of worry, change in social interaction and daily lives, any academic/occupational interference, levels of social and specific support, and self-reported physical health. In total, 55.8% of the participants reported sleep disturbance, and 10.8% reported having suicidal thoughts in the previous week. Multiple COVID-19-related factors were associated with sleep disturbance and suicidal thoughts in the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased worry about COVID-19, more severe impact of COVID-19 on social interaction, lower perceived social support, more severe academic/occupational interference due to COVID-19, lower COVID-19-specified support, and poorer self-reported physical health were significantly associated with sleep disturbance. Less handwashing, lower perceived social support, lower COVID-19-specified support, poorer self-reported physical health, and younger age were significantly associated with suicidal thoughts. Further investigation is needed to understand the changes in mental health among the public since the mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Independent relationships between different domains of physical activity and depressive symptoms among 60,202 Brazilian adults

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association between four key different physical activity (PA) domains and depressive symptoms among Brazilian adults.

METHODS

Data from the Brazilian National Health Survey (n = 60,202; ≥18 years) were used. PA across four different domains (leisure, transport, occupational and household) was collected through specific questionnaires. The cutoff point adopted in each domain was 150 min/week. Depression was evaluated through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Multivariable adjusted linear and logistic regression models were applied.

RESULTS

Leisure PA was associated with lower depressive symptoms [β: -0.008 (95% CI: -0.010 to -0.005); OR: 0.69 (95% CI: 0.59 to 0.81)]. Transport PA was also associated with lower depressive symptoms among older adults [β -0.008 (-0.012 to -0.003); OR: 0.70 (95% CI: 0.53-0.94)] but not middle-aged adults. On the other hand, occupational PA [β: 0.003 (95% CI: 0.002 to 0.005); OR: 1.62 (95% CI: 1.38 to 1.91)] and household PA [β: 0.009 (95% CI: 0.006 to 0.012); OR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.37 to 1.79)] were associated with higher depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The association between PA and depression symptoms varies according to the domains of PA and some appear independent from each other. While leisure PA is associated with fewer depressive symptoms; occupational and household PA appear to be associated with an increased depression risk.

Cost-utility analysis of curative and maintenance repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment-resistant unipolar depression: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Background

Depression is a debilitating and costly disease for our society, especially in the case of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective adjuvant therapy in treatment-resistant unipolar and non-psychotic depression. It can be applied according to two therapeutic strategies after an initial rTMS cure: a further rTMS cure can be performed at the first sign of relapse or recurrence, or systematic maintenance rTMS (M-rTMS) can be proposed. TMS adjuvant to treatment as usual (TAU) could improve long-term prognosis. However, no controlled study has yet compared the cost-effectiveness of these two additional rTMS therapeutic strategies versus TAU alone.

Methods/design

This paper focuses on the design of a health-economic, prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study with three parallel arms carried out in France. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of the adjunctive and maintenance low frequency rTMS on the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex versus TAU alone. A total of 318 patients suffering from a current TRD will be enrolled. The primary endpoint is to investigate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) (ratio costs / quality-adjusted life-years [QALY] measured by the Euroqol Five Dimension Questionnaire) over 12 months in a population of patients assigned to one of three arms: systematic M-rTMS for responders (arm A); additional new rTMS cure in case of mood deterioration among responders (arm B); and a placebo arm (arm C) in which responders are allocated in two subgroups: sham systematic M-rTMS and supplementary rTMS course in case of mood deterioration. ICER and QALYs will be compared between arm A or B versus arm C. The secondary endpoints in each three arms will be: ICER at 24 months; the cost-utility ratio analysis at 12 and 24 months; 5-year budget impact analysis; and prognosis factors of rTMS. The following criteria will be compared between arm A or B and arm C: rates of responders; remission and disease-free survival; clinical evolution; tolerance; observance; treatment modifications; hospitalization; suicide attempts; work stoppage; marital / professional statues; and quality of life at 12 and 24 months.

Discussion

The purpose of our study is to check the cost-effectiveness of rTMS and we will discuss its economic impact over time. In the case of significant decrease in the depression costs and expenditures associated with a good long-term prognosis (sustained response and remission) and tolerance, rTMS could be considered as an efficient treatment within the armamentarium for resistant unipolar depression.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03701724. Registered on 10 October 2018. Protocol Amendment Version 2.0 accepted on 29 June 2019.

Sedentary behavior and depression among community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years: Results from the irish longitudinal study on Ageing

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behavior (SB) may be a risk factor for depression in middle- and old age adults. The aim of this study was to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between SB and depression in a large national sample of Irish people aged 50 and older taking into account a wide range of previously identified influential factors.

METHODS

Data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing survey were analyzed (wave 1: 2009-2011, wave 2: 2012-2013). Depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Total weekday SB and control variables were self-reported. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were conducted to assess the associations.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 6903 individuals aged ≥50 years (63.6 ± 9.2years; 52.1% female). After full adjustment for age, gender, social class, current smoking, physical activity, mobility, pain, cognition, chronic physical conditions, disability, anxiety, loneliness, and social network, the association between SB and depression was not statistically significant (OR=1.06; 95%CI=0.60-1.89). Mediation analysis showed that the association is explained by social network (mediated percentage 23.1%), physical activity (20.3%), loneliness (13.2%), chronic physical conditions (11.1%), and disability (7.9%). Cross-sectional analysis showed that SB is significantly associated with depression even after full adjustment.

LIMITATIONS

SB was self-reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors closely linked with SB such as social isolation, loneliness, physical inactivity, chronic physical conditions, and disability may play a major role in depression among middle-aged and older people. Lifestyle interventions focusing on reductions in depression in this population need to consider these factors.

Era of geriatric medical challenges: Multimorbidity among older patients

The number of older adults is increasing worldwide, including in Asian countries. Various problems associated with medical care for older adults are being highlighted in aging societies. As the number of chronic diseases increases with age, older adults are more likely to have multiple chronic diseases simultaneously (multimorbidity). Multimorbidity results in poor health-related outcomes, leading to increased use and cost of healthcare. Above all, it leads to deterioration in older adults' quality of life. However, it is unclear whether any medical interventions are effective for multimorbidity, which means medical practitioners currently offer medical care "in the dark." It is therefore necessary for researchers and medical professionals involved in geriatric medicine to establish ways to manage multimorbidity among older adults. This means that the development of research in this field is essential. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 699-704.

Associations Between Somatic Multimorbidity Patterns and Depression in a Longitudinal Cohort of Middle-Aged and Older Chinese

OBJECTIVES

Depressive symptoms are commonly seen among patients with multiple chronic somatic conditions, or somatic multimorbidity (SMM); however, little is known about the relationships between depressive symptoms and different SMM combinations. Our study aimed to delineate the patterns of SMM and their longitudinal associations with depressive symptoms among a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

DESIGN

We employed a longitudinal design.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Older adults (N = 10,084) aged ≥45 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011-2015 participated (mean age = 57.7 years at baseline; 53.3% men).

METHODS

Sixteen chronic somatic conditions were ascertained at baseline via questionnaires. Depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale at baseline and during follow-up. Patterns of SMM were identified via exploratory factor analyses. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the longitudinal associations between patterns of SMM and the presence of depressive symptoms at follow-up.

RESULTS

Compared with participants with no somatic condition, those with 1, 2, and 3 or more somatic conditions had a 21%, 66%, and 111% greater risk, respectively, for the presence of depressive symptoms. Increased factor scores for 4 patterns identified, cardio-metabolic pattern [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06, 1.20], respiratory pattern (AOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.17, 1.33), arthritic-digestive-visual pattern (AOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.22, 1.37), and hepatic-renal-skeletal pattern (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02, 1.16), were all associated with a higher risk of having depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

All SMM patterns were independently associated with depression among middle-aged and older Chinese adults, with greater odds for people with comorbid arthritic-digestive-visual conditions and respiratory conditions. Clinical practitioners should treat the middle-aged and older population under a multiple-condition framework combining SMM and mental disorders.

Potential influence of physical, psychological and lifestyle factors on the association between television viewing and depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential influence of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors on the association between TV-viewing and depressive symptoms among Brazilian adults.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data from the Brazilian National Survey, conducted in 2013 with 60,202 adults (≥18 years). Information regarding exposure (TV-viewing), potential influencing factors (multimorbidity, mobility, self-rated health, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sugar consumption, and physical activity) as well as elevated depressive symptoms (through PHQ-9 - score > 9) (outcome) was collected via interview-administered questionnaires. Data on covariates were self-reported. Body mass index was estimated through the assessment of body mass and stature. Mediation models were estimated through the Karlson-Holm-Breen method.

RESULTS

Individuals who reported >5 h/d of TV viewing showed a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than those with <5 h/d of TV viewing [8.1%(99%CI:7.6%-8.6%) vs 14.2%(99%CI:12.2%-16.6%)]. The association between TV-viewing and depressive symptoms was influenced by tobacco use (Overall: 7.22%; men: 4.46%, women: 8.59%), physical activity (men: 3.99%, women: 2.28%), mobility (overall: 11.31%, men: 10.85%, women: 11.03%), and multimorbidity (overall: 9.11%, men: 11.6%, women: 6.03%). Poor self-rated health influenced the association between TV-viewing and elevated depressive symptoms only among men (15.55%). Similarly, the association between >4 h/d of TV viewing and depressive symptoms was influenced by tobacco use (men: 6.8%, women: 11.7%), physical activity for women (5.5%), self-rated health for men (14.7%), mobility (men: 8.7%, women: 17.0%), and multimorbidity (men: 9.6%, women: 12.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco use, physical activity, mobility, multimorbidity, and self-rated health (men) mediate the relationship between high TV-viewing and elevated depressive symptoms. Longitudinal research is required to confirm/refute our data which may also be useful to contribute to public health interventions.

Hospitalization of the aged due to stroke: An ecological perspective

Contextual variables have been associated with the incidence of stroke, but their association with hospitalization of older persons remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between social context variables and hospitalization of 60 years old and older patients due to stroke in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. An ecological cross-sectional study was conducted, with secondary data from the Brazilian Hospital Information System from 2006 to 2014. Hospitalization rates were calculated and categorized by tertiles. For subsequent analyzes, the polar extremes method was used to select the groups with extremes values. After that, Student t or Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the contextual variables and the hospitalization rates clusters. Then, a Binary Logistic Regression analysis was used to assess the association between hospitalization rates clusters and the contextual variables. The total number of hospitalizations was 82 796; the hospitalization rate varied in extremes groups from the lowest (3.49) to the highest (11.95) (p<0.001). The highest rates group was positively associated with the proportion of elderly (p<0.001), the illiteracy rate of the aged (p = 0.01), primary care coverage (p<0.001) and ambulatory care for hypertension and diabetes, while the income ratio showed negative association with the highest rates of hospitalization (p = 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, only the proportion of elderly (OR = 1.55; 95%CI 1.07–2.25), primary care coverage (OR = 1.05; 95%CI 1.01–1.11) and income ratio (OR = 0.82; 95%CI 0.67–0.99) maintained the association. In conclusion, contextual variables in the three dimensions studied were associated with the rate of hospitalization of aged due to stroke in the municipalities in Rio de Janeiro State. Transitional care and other improvements in both the health care and social services are demanded.

Association between physical multimorbidity, body mass index and mental health/disorders in a representative sample of people with obesity

Background

Obesity is known to be associated with poor mental health. Studies suggested that multimorbidity might explain the consequences of obesity on mental health. The objective of the present study was to examine to what extent physical multimorbidity and the severity of obesity were associated with mental health and with mental disorders.

Methods

Cross-sectional study including a weighted representative sample of individuals in obesity from the province of Quebec included in the 2013–2014 Canadian Community Health Survey (N=1315) and test of the replicability of the association in the three previous cycles (2011–2012, N=1180; 2009–2010, N=1166; 2007–2008, N=1298).

Results

Adjusted logistic regressions showed that when obesity classes and physical multimorbidity were considered, the latter was preferentially associated with poor perceived mental health (OR 3.58, 95% CI 2.07 to 6.22), psychological distress (OR 3.71, 95% CI 2.14 to 6.42), major depressive episode (OR 5.16, 95% CI 2.92 to 9.13), mood disorders (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.78) and anxiety disorders (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.46 to 4.16). The same associations were confirmed in the previous cycles. Obesity class was only associated with stress (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.07), but this association was not confirmed in the other cycles. Both physical multimorbidity and severe obesity were associated with mental multimorbidity.

Conclusion

Among people with obesity, physical multimorbidity is preferentially associated with poor mental health/disorders. There is an existence of a somatic-mental multimorbidity which should be assessed and prevented in the management of obesity.

The Relationship between Dietary Vitamin K and Depressive Symptoms in Late Adulthood: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Large Cohort Study

Few studies assessed the associations between dietary vitamin K and depressive symptoms. We aimed to investigate the association between dietary vitamin K and depressive symptoms in a large cohort of North American People. In this cross-sectional analysis, 4,375 participants that were aged 45⁻79 years from the Osteoarthritis Initiative were included. Dietary vitamin K intake was collected through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and categorized in quartiles. Depressive symptoms were diagnosed using the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) ≥ 16. To investigate the associations between vitamin K intake and depressive symptoms, logistic regression analysis were run, which adjusted for potential confounders. Overall, 437 (=10%) subjects had depressive symptoms. After adjusting for 11 confounders, people with the highest dietary vitamin K intake had lower odds of having depressive symptoms (OR = 0.58; 95%CI: 0.43⁻0.80). This effect was only present in people not taking vitamin D supplementation. In conclusion, higher dietary vitamin K intake was significantly associated with a lower presence of depressive symptoms, also after accounting for potential confounders. Future longitudinal research is required to explore the directionality of the association.

Physical injury and depression in six low- and middle-income countries: A nationally representative study

BACKGROUND

Studies on the association between physical injury and depression in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are scarce. Therefore, our goal was to analyze the association between physical injury and depression using nationally representative data from six LMICs.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) survey (2007-2010) were analyzed (N = 42,489). Questions based on the World Mental Health Survey version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview were used for the endorsement of past 12-month DSM-IV depression. Any injury in our analysis referred to having experienced traffic injury or other injury in the past 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and meta-analyses were used to assess associations.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of depression was higher among those who had any injury compared to those without injuries (9.0% vs. 3.7%). Compared to having no injury, any injury without disability was associated with a 1.72 (95%CI=1.18-2.50) times higher odds for depression, while the odds for injury with disability was much higher (OR =3.81; 95%CI=2.16-6.73). The pooled estimate (OR) for the association between any injury and depression based on a meta-analysis using country-wise estimates was 3.28 (95%CI = 1.71-6.31) and a moderate level of between-country heterogeneity was observed (I² = 63.1%).

LIMITATIONS

Causality or temporal associations cannot be established due to the cross-sectional nature of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Personalized mental health care to victims of physical injury may reduce risk for depression. Treating disability as the result of injuries may also be effective in the prevention of depressive disorders.

Associations of the Built Environment With Physical Activity and Sedentary Time in Ugandan Outpatients With Mental Health Problems

BACKGROUND

This study investigated whether reported neighborhood variables explained variance in time spent walking, exercising, and being sedentary, in addition to mental health and demographic variables among Ugandan outpatients with mental illness.

METHODS

Ninety-nine outpatients (78 men; 31.1 [8.6] y) of the Butabika National Referral Hospital in Uganda completed the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale for Africa, the Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Brief Symptoms Inventory-18. Multiple regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Seven percent of the variance in walking time was explained by the variance in anxiety/depression and an additional 13% by the variance in perceived mixed land use and the availability of roads and walking paths. Eight percent of the variance in exercise time was explained by variance in age and an additional 6% by the variance anxiety/depression. The availability of recreational space added 8%. Six percent of variance in time spent sedentary was explained by family income, while availability of roads and walking paths added another 6%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the relevance of availability of roads and walking paths and recreational space for more physical activity and less sedentary behavior in people with mental illness. This is particularly relevant in low-income countries where a rapid urbanization is taking place.

Handgrip strength, chronic physical conditions and physical multimorbidity in middle-aged and older adults in six low- and middle income countries

PURPOSE

Handgrip strength provides a clinically validated marker of overall health and mortality risk. There are however, no multi-national population-based studies investigating the associations between handgrip strength, chronic physical conditions, and physical multimorbidity (i.e., ≥2 chronic conditions). We aimed to assess these associations among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults using nationally representative data from six in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

METHODS

Cross-sectional, community-based data on individuals aged ≥50 years from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. Eleven chronic physical conditions (angina, arthritis, asthma, chronic back pain, chronic lung disease, diabetes, edentulism, hearing problems, hypertension, stroke, visual impairment) were assessed. Weak handgrip strength was defined as <30 kg for men and <20 kg for women. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The final sample included 34,129 individuals (62.4 ± 16.0 years; 52.1% female). After adjustment for potential confounders, when compared to those with no chronic physical conditions, having 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 physical chronic conditions was associated with 1.22 (95%CI = 1.08-1.37), 1.29 (95%CI = 1.11-1.50), 1.41 (95%CI = 1.18-1.68), and 1.78 (95%CI = 1.46-2.18) times higher odds for weak handgrip strength. Similar associations were observed in the analyses stratified by age and sex. There was a moderate level of between-country heterogeneity in the association between weak handgrip strength and physical multimorbidity (Higgin's I² = 67.8%) with the pooled estimate being 1.26 (95%CI = 1.06-1.50).

CONCLUSION

Weaker handgrip strength is associated with a range of chronic physical conditions and multimorbidity. Future research should seek to establish the predictive value of this inexpensive measure for clinical use.

[Profiles of loneliness and social isolation in urban population]

Objetivo

Determinar la prevalencia de soledad y aislamiento social en la población mayor de 65 años cubierta por un equipo de atención primaria urbano e identificar sus principales características.

Diseño

Encuesta telefónica.

Emplazamiento

Área básica de Barcelona.

Participantes

Muestra aleatoria de población asignada de edad igual o superior a 65 años.

Mediciones principales

Encuesta de soledad de UCLA, escala de red social de Lubben.

Resultados

Se entrevistó a 278 personas (respuesta 61,36%), 172 mujeres y 106 hombres, con una edad media de 76,7 ± 7,9 años. Existía una mayor proporción de factores de riesgo de soledad en los que no respondieron. La soledad se correlaciona estrechamente con el aislamiento social r = 0,736. La soledad moderada, con una prevalencia del 16,54%, se asocia a presentar dificultades a la marcha (OR 3,09, IC del 95%, 1,03-9,29), deterioro cognitivo (OR 3,97, IC del 95%, 1,19-13,27) y a barreras arquitectónicas (OR 5,29, IC del 95%, 2,12-13,23), mientras que la soledad severa, con una prevalencia de 18,71%, solo se asocia a convivir con menos personas (OR 0,61, IC del 95%, 0,40-0,93). El riesgo de aislamiento social, con una prevalencia del 38,85%, se asocia a la edad (OR 1,06, IC del 95%, 1,02-1,10) y a problemas de salud (OR 4,35, IC del 95%, 1,11-16,99).

Conclusiones

La soledad y el aislamiento social son muy prevalentes. Existen 2 perfiles de soledad, una moderada relacionada con las dificultades a la sociabilidad que aparecen con el envejecimiento y otra severa que no está asociada a la salud o las barreras. Las intervenciones deberían adecuarse a cada uno de estos perfiles.

Network analysis of the relationship between depressive symptoms, demographics, nutrition, quality of life and medical condition factors in the Osteoarthritis Initiative database cohort of elderly North-American adults with or at risk for osteoarthritis

AIMS

A complex interaction exists between age, body mass index, medical conditions, polypharmacotherapy, smoking, alcohol use, education, nutrition, depressive symptoms, functioning and quality of life (QoL). We aimed to examine the inter-relationships among these variables, test whether depressive symptomology plays a central role in a large sample of adults, and determine the degree of association with life-style and health variables.

METHODS

Regularised network analysis was applied to 3532 North-American adults aged ⩾45 years drawn from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Network stability (autocorrelation after case-dropping), centrality of nodes (strength, M, the sum of weight of the connections for each node), and edges/regularised partial correlations connecting the nodes were assessed.

RESULTS

Physical and mental health-related QoL (M = 1.681; M = 1.342), income (M = 1.891), age (M = 1.416), depressive symptoms (M = 1.214) and education (M = 1.173) were central nodes. Depressive symptoms' stronger negative connections were found with mental health-related QoL (-0.702), income (-0.090), education (-0.068) and physical health-related QoL (-0.354). This latter was a 'bridge node' that connected depressive symptoms with Charlson comorbidity index, and number of medications. Physical activity and Mediterranean diet adherence were associated with income and physical health-related QoL. This latter was a 'bridge node' between the former two and depressive symptoms. The network was stable (stability coefficient = 0.75, i.e. highest possible value) for all centrality measures.

CONCLUSIONS

A stable network exists between life-style behaviors and social, environmental, medical and psychiatric variables. QoL, income, age and depressive symptoms were central in the multidimensional network. Physical health-related QoL seems to be a 'bridge node' connecting depressive symptoms with several life-style and health variables. Further studies should assess such interactions in the general population.

Prevalence of late-life depression and gap in mental health service use across European regions

Background We aimed to determine the prevalence and gap in use of mental health services for late-life depression in four European regions (Western Europe, Scandinavia, Southern Europe and Central and Eastern Europe) and explore socio-demographic, social and health-related factors associated with it. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study based on data from the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Participants were a population-based sample of 28 796 persons (53% women, mean age 74 years old) residing in Europe. Mental health service use was estimated using information about the diagnosis or treatment for depression. Results The prevalence of late-life depression was 29% in the whole sample and was highest in Southern Europe (35%), followed by Central and Eastern Europe (32%), Western Europe (26%) and lowest in Scandinavia (17%). Factors that had the strongest association with depression were total number of chronic diseases, pain, limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, grip strength and cognitive impairment. The gap in mental health service use was 79%. Conclusions We suggest that interventions to decrease the burden of late-life depression should be targeted at individuals that are affected by chronic somatic comorbidities and are limited in mental and physical functioning. Promotion of help-seeking of older adults, de-stigmatization of mental illness and education of general practitioners could help decrease the gap in mental health service utilization.

Handgrip strength and depression among 34,129 adults aged 50 years and older in six low- and middle-income countries

INTRODUCTION

Handgrip strength is a simple and inexpensive marker of health and mortality risk. It presents an ideal risk-stratifying method for use in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). There are, however, no population-based studies investigating the associations between handgrip strength and depression in LMICs. We aimed to assess these associations among community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults using nationally representative data from six LMICs.

METHOD

Cross-sectional data on individuals aged ≥ 50 years from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. Depression was based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Weak handgrip strength was defined as < 30 kg for men and < 20 kg for women using the average value of two handgrip measurements of the dominant hand. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The sample included 34,129 individuals (62.4 ± 16.0 years; 52.1% female). The prevalence of weak handgrip strength and depression were 47.4% and 6.2%, respectively. Individuals with weak handgrip strength had a higher prevalence of depression than those without this condition (8.8% vs. 3.8%; p < 0.001). Across all countries, after adjustment for potential confounders, weak handgrip strength was associated with a 1.45 (95%CI = 1.12-1.88) times higher odds for depression, although some between-country differences were noted.

DISCUSSION

Weaker handgrip strength is associated with higher odds for depression in LMICs. Future research should seek to establish the predictive value of this inexpensive measure for clinical use. Furthermore, interventional studies should examine if muscular strength can be a target of resistance-training interventions to address depressive symptoms in low-resourced settings.

Mediating Effect of Sleep Quality on the Relationship Between Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Depressive Symptoms in College Students

Background and Aim: Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) and depression are great public health concerns among adolescents. The aim of this study was to determine the association between PMPU and symptoms of depression, as well as the mediating role of sleep quality. Methods: A total of 4,624 college students participated in this study. The Self-rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use (SQAPMPU), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered to assess PMPU, sleep quality, and symptoms of depression. Mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS macro in the SPSS software. Results: Of the participants, 27.5% were classified as PMPU, 44.9% exhibited symptoms of depression, and 15.6% reported sleep problems. Compared with those without PMPU, those with PMPU exhibited higher rates of sleep problems and depressive symptoms. The mediation analysis further revealed partial mediation effects of sleep quality on the association between PMPU and depression. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PMPU was associated with mental health in college students, and sleep quality played a mediating role in this relationship. Our findings highlight the critical role of early intervention for depression with a focus on those with PMPU and, more specifically, on those with sleep problems.

Mental health multimorbidity and poor quality of life in patients with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

While "dual diagnosis" involving both psychiatric and substance use disorders has long been a focus of schizophrenia research, recent studies have advocated for a shift of focus to multimorbidity, addressing comorbidity from both additional psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders. We hypothesized that more extensive mental health multimorbity would be associated with poorer quality of life (QOL) and functioning, and that additional psychiatric comorbidity in schizophrenia would have similar adverse effects on QOL as substance use comorbidity.

METHODS

Participants with schizophrenia in the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) were classified using baseline diagnostic data into four groups: 1) monomorbid schizophrenia: 2) additional psychiatric comorbidity, 3) additional substance use comorbidity, and 4) both additional psychiatric and substance use comorbidity. Mixed models compared groups on self-reported QOL (SF-12 and Lehman QOLI) and rater-evaluated QOL (the Quality of Life Scale) using baseline, 6, 12 and 18-month follow-up data.

RESULTS

As hypothesized, patients with schizophrenia alone had a better QOL than those with any multimorbidity; patients with both psychiatric and substance use comorbidities had a worse QOL than those with fewer comorbidities; and patients with comorbid substance use alone were not significantly worse off than those with comorbid psychiatric disorder.

CONCLUSION

The multimorbidity framework more richly differentiates complex clinical presentations of schizophrenia than the current dual diagnosis concept and deserves further study as to its etiology, consequences, and treatment.

Depressive symptoms, handgrip strength, and weight status in US older adults

BACKGROUND

Handgrip strength is a valid indicator of broader physical functioning. Handgrip strength and weight status have been independently associated with depressive symptoms in older adults, but no study has yet investigated the relationships between all three in older US adults. This study investigated the relationship between physical function and depressive symptoms by weight status in older US adults.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were analysed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey waves 2011 to 2012 and 2013 to 2014. Physical function was assessed using a grip strength dynamometer. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Weight status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI) and participants were categorised as normal weight (< 25 kg/m²), overweight (25 to < 30 kg/m²), and obese (≥ 30.0 kg/m²). Associations between depressive symptoms and hand grip strength were estimated by gender-specific multiple linear regressions and BMI stratified multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

A total of 2,812 adults (54% female, mean age 69.2 years, mean BMI 29.2 kg/m²) were included. Women with moderate to severe depressive symptoms had 1.60 kg (95% CI: 0.91 to 2.30) lower hand grip strength compared to women with minimal or no depressive symptoms. No such association was observed in men. Among those with obesity, men (-3.72 kg, 95% CI: -7.00 to -0.43) and women (-1.83 kg, 95% CI: -2.87 to -0.78) with moderate to severe depressive symptoms both had lower handgrip strength.

CONCLUSION

Among older US adults, women and people who are obese and depressed are at the greatest risk of decline in physical function.

Associations between active travel and physical multi-morbidity in six low- and middle-income countries among community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There is little evidence on the potential health benefits of active travel in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to assess the association between levels of active travel and physical multi-morbidity (i.e., two or more chronic physical conditions) and individual physical conditions among community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older in six LMICs.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the World Health Organization's Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa). Active travel (minutes / week) was assessed with questions of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and presented in tertiles. Eleven chronic conditions (angina, arthritis, asthma, chronic back pain, chronic lung disease, diabetes, edentulism, hearing problems, hypertension, stroke, visual impairment) were assessed by self-report of diagnosis, symptoms, or blood pressure measurement. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between levels of active travel, physical conditions and physical multi-morbidity.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 14,585 individuals aged ≥65 years (mean age = 72.6±0.1 years; 54.9% female). In the fully adjusted model, compared to the highest tertile, those in the lowest tertile of active travel had a 1.28 (95%CI = 1.06-1.54) times higher odds for physical multi-morbidity. The association between active travel and physical multi-morbidity was significantly mediated by affect (14.4%) and cognition (9.7%). With regard to individual conditions, hearing problems, hypertension, stroke, and visual impairment were particularly strongly associated with less active travel.

CONCLUSION

The current data suggest that lower levels of active travel are associated with the presence of physical health conditions and physical multi-morbidity. This multi-national study offers potentially valuable insight for a number of hypotheses which may influence this relationship, although testing with longitudinal studies is needed.

Association between depression and smoking: A global perspective from 48 low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Smoking is a leading modifiable cause of global morbidity and mortality. Research from high-income countries has found a high prevalence of smoking among people with depression and suggested that this may partially contribute to the increased premature mortality in this population. Limited research has investigated smoking behaviors across the depression spectrum and in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study explored the relationship between depression and smoking across 48 LMICs.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional, community-based study comprising 242,952 people [mean age 38.4 (SD = 16.1) years, 50.8% females] from the World Health Survey. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between depression (including subsyndromal, brief depressive episode and depressive episodes) and smoking behaviours.

RESULTS

Overall, the prevalence of current smoking was lowest in Africa (13.5%) and highest in Asia (32.2%). A depressive episode was present in 6.7% of the sample. Compared to people without depression, subsyndromal depression, brief depressive episode, and depressive episodes were all significantly associated with smoking with similar effect sizes (ORs: 1.36-1.49). Countrywide meta-analysis found that the pooled overall OR for smoking in depression was 1.42 (95%CI = 1.32-1.52, I² = 39.7%). Furthermore, alcohol consumption and male gender were consistently associated with smoking across all regions and smoking was consistently less common in those who were wealthier and had a higher education.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the depression spectrum is consistently associated with high levels of smoking behaivours in LMICs. Given that most of the world's smokers reside in LMICs, future smoking cessation interventions are required to target people with depression.

Post-traumatic stress symptoms are associated with physical multimorbidity: Findings from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007

BACKGROUND

Studies on the association between symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical multimorbidity (i.e., ≥2 chronic conditions) are lacking. Thus, we assessed the association between PTSD symptoms and physical multimorbidity using nationally representative, community-based data of the UK adult population.

METHODS

Data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey were analyzed. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ). A total score of ≥6 points indicated a probable PTSD. Information was collected on 20 doctor/other health professional diagnosed physical health conditions that were present in the past 12 months. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 physical diseases. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted to analyze the association between PTSD and physical multimorbidity, and the influence of behavioral and psychological factors in this association.

RESULTS

Among 7403 individuals aged ≥16 years [mean age (SD) = 46.3 (18.6) years; 51.5% females], the prevalence of PTSD increased from 2.1% in individuals with no physical conditions to 5.4% in those with ≥4 physical conditions. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors and lifetime occurrence of a traumatic event, PTSD was associated with higher odds for physical multimorbidity (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.47; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.71-3.56). Anxiety, depression, and disordered eating explained 35%, 21%, and 8% of the PTSD-multimorbidity association, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

Causality or temporal associations cannot be established due to the cross-sectional nature of the study. In addition, PTSD and physical conditions were assessed using self-reports.

CONCLUSIONS

PTSD symptoms may be risk factors for physical multimorbidity. Anxiety and depressive symptoms might play an important role in this association. Screening for chronic physical conditions among individuals with PTSD and treating them simultaneously may lead to better clinical outcomes.

Physical multimorbidity and loneliness: A population-based study

Multimorbidity has been linked to a variety of negative outcomes although as yet, there has been little research on its association with loneliness. This study examined the association between physical multimorbidity (≥ 2 physical diseases) and loneliness in the general population and its potential mediators. Data came from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 (N = 7403, aged ≥16 years). Information was obtained on 20 doctor diagnosed physical conditions that were present in the previous year. An item from the Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) was used to obtain information on loneliness. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations. An increasing number of physical diseases was associated with higher odds for loneliness. Compared to no physical diseases, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval: CI) for loneliness increased from 1.34 (1.13–1.59) to 2.82 (2.11–3.78) between one and ≥5 physical diseases. This association was particularly strong in the youngest age group (i.e. 16–44 years). The loneliness-physical multimorbidity association was significantly mediated by stressful life events (% mediated 11.1%-30.5%), anxiety (30.2%), and depression (15.4%). Physical multimorbidity is associated with increased odds for loneliness. Prospective research is now needed to further elucidate this association and the factors that underlie it.

Impact of aerobic exercise on muscle mass in patients with major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Sarcopenia leads to physical function impairment and at least to increasing all-cause mortality. There are notes on reduced muscle mass in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Whether an exercise intervention counteracts low muscle mass in patients with MDD has not been studied so far. Therefore, our study aimed at examining effects of regular aerobic exercise training on muscle mass in patients with MDD.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Thirty inpatients with MDD were included in the study, of which 20 received an additional supervised exercise program. Ten patients obtained treatment as usual. Muscle mass was measured using MRI before and 6 weeks after the training period (3 times per week for 45 minutes).

RESULTS

We found a significant effect of the exercise intervention on the amount of muscle mass depending on age, body mass index, and the physical activity score (P=0.042).

CONCLUSION

Among other positive effects, regular exercise increases muscle mass in patients with MDD and, therefore, should be recommended as an additional treatment tool.