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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Juliana S. Grant, Bureau of Epidemiology, Utah Department of Health, PO Box 142104, Salt Lake City, UT 84114, 801-538-6527, jsgrant@utah.gov

Population-based studies that examined associations between mental and physical health are limited. In 2005, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a validated depression screening tool, was added to Utah's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. BRFSS is a random-digit–dialed telephone survey of noninstitutionalized persons aged ≥18 years. We analyzed associations between reported depression and selected reported risk factors in 5,131 interviews completed during 2005. Respondents were classified as depressed if they met criteria for that diagnosis, by using a validated algorithm. Data were weighted by selection probability, location, age, and sex. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Depression was reported by 8.3%(95%CI=7.3–9.3) of Utah adults. More women reported depression than men (9.8%[8.4–11.2] versus 6.7%[5.3–8.1]). Depression did not correlate with age. Twelve percent (9.2–14.1) of obese persons reported depression versus 6.9%(5.5–8.3) of normal weight persons. Persons who participated in leisure-time physical activity reported less depression than persons who did not (6.4%[5.4–7.4] versus 16.7%[13.7–19.7]). Depression was more common among persons with high cholesterol than those with normal cholesterol (8.8%(6.9–10.6) versus 6.8%[5.5–8.0]). Twelve percent (9.7–14.5) of persons with hypertension reported depression versus 7.4%(6.3–8.5) of normotensive persons. Current smokers reported more depression (15.8%[12.2–19.4]) compared with former and never smokers (9.4%[7.1–11.6] and 6.9%[5.7–8.0] respectively). The mechanisms or temporal relationship of these associations are not evident from these data and deserve further investigation. However, these data suggest that depression screening in persons with these risk factors may be warranted.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe the prevalence of depression in persons with chronic disease risk factors.
• Discuss the possible link between depression and chronic diseases.
• Describe the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and how it is used to screen for depression.

Keywords: Mental Health, Chronic Diseases

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation