Depressive symptoms in the general population: The 7th Tromsø Study

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of depressive symptoms may differ in various age groups. The aim of the study was to investigate the point-prevalence of depressive symptoms in the adult general population and in various age groups. The impact of sex, marital status, education, and social support on depressive symptoms was also explored.<p> <p>Methods: The population ≥40 years in the city of Tromsø, Norway, were invited to participate in the survey, of whom 64.7% (n=21,083) participated. All participants with a completed Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were included in the study. A score ≥8 in the HADS depression subscale (HADS-D) was used to indicate caseness for depression. <p>Results: The caseness for depression was 7.5% for men and 6.3% for women, overall 6.9%. The age groups 40-49 years and 80+ years had highest caseness. The overall HADS-D score for the total population was 2.8 (SD 2.7). The mean HADS-D for men (3.1; SD 2.8) was higher than for women (2.6; SD 2,6) (p<0.001). Low social support, low education and not living with a spouse was associated with higher risk for depressive symptoms. Limitations: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was based on a questionnaire, and represents only an estimate of depression in the population. Participants over 80 years were underrepresented, as fragile elderly and elderly living in nursing homes did not participate. <p>Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were more prevalent in the youngest and oldest age groups. Participants reporting low social support, low education and not living with a spouse had higher risk for depressive symptoms.