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The predictors of depression in a longitudinal cohort of community dwelling rural adults in Australia.
- Source :
- Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology; Feb2019, Vol. 54 Issue 2, p171-180, 10p
- Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- <bold>Purpose: </bold>Many major studies of depression in Australia are under-representative of rural and remote residents, limiting the generalizability of their findings. This study explores the contributions of a range of individual, social, and community factors to the trajectory of depressive symptoms among a cohort of rural and remote residents.<bold>Methods: </bold>Data from four waves of the Australian Rural Mental Health Study (baseline nā=ā2639), a 5 year longitudinal study of rural community residents, were examined within generalized linear mixed models to predict depressive symptoms. Depression was measured using the PHQ-9, with key correlates including social support, employment status, financial wellbeing, neuroticism, and rural community factors.<bold>Results: </bold>Moderate-to-severe depression was reported by 6.3% of the baseline sample. Being permanently unable to work resulted in over a threefold increase in the odds of depression at the following survey wave. Self-rated financial hardship was associated with a fourfold increase in the odds of future depression, as was a high level of community concerns. Neuroticism and tobacco use also made a significant independent contribution to future depressive symptoms. Interpersonal support was a protective factor, reducing the odds of next-wave depression by 64%.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>Financial and employment-related difficulties appear to be important risk factors for depression, and targeting individuals experiencing such difficulties may be an effective means of reducing depression among certain sub-groups. Strategies to prevent depression in rural and remote Australia may benefit from a focus on interpersonal and community-level support, as the effects of this support are lasting and contribute to a reduced likelihood of depressive episodes in future years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09337954
- Volume :
- 54
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 135579703
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1591-1