Prevalence of self-reported depression and chronic disease risk factors among adults, BRFSS 2011-2013

Background: Chronic disease risk factors are at the forefront of public health in the United States and in Indiana. As the prevalence of chronic diseases and risk factors continue to increase, the recognition and manifestation of depressive disorders has also grown. Studies have shown that individuals who are obese and use tobacco have an increased risk of depression. The 2011-2016 Indiana—State Health Improvement Plan (I-SHIP) outlines efforts to decrease the prevalence of obesity and tobacco use and has made them priorities for the State. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and chronic disease risk factors in order to raise awareness in Indiana.

Methods: Population-based data from 2011-2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) was analyzed to examine the prevalence of obesity and tobacco use among adults aged 18-64 years with self-reported depression (n=13,621). Descriptive summaries and logistic regression analyses were performed on the binary dependent variable (depression) and adjusted for potential confounding variables. Prevalence rates, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Findings: Analysis of the 2011-2013 BRFSS data indicate the prevalence of depression was highest among females, whites or other races, individuals aged 45-54 years, those with incomes less than $15,000, and those who did not graduate from high school. Indiana adults who were obese and used tobacco were significantly more likely to have depression than their non-depressed counterparts. Indiana adults who were obese (Body Mass Index >30) were 1.6 times more likely to have depression than those of a normal weight (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) (95% CI, 1.4, 1.0).  Adults who used tobacco were 1.9 times more likely to have depression than those who did not use tobacco (95% CI 1.6, 2.2).

Discussion: Results from this study further support current research on depression and chronic disease risk factors. Understanding the relationship between depression and chronic disease risk factors is critical to public health and healthcare delivery in order to prevent the onset of depression and chronic disease. The Indiana State Department of Health and its partnering agencies have the opportunity to add behavioral health, specifically depression, as a statewide priority in the next version of the I-SHIP.