Depression and activity limitations: examining gender differences in the general population.
BACKGROUND
This study examines the relationship between major depression, subclinical depressive symptomatology and activity limitation in a representative sample of Canadian men and women, with a particular emphasis on examining gender differences.


METHODS
Over a 4-year period, the three waves of data were collected from a representative sample of Canadian adults aged 18-60 beginning in 1994. A brief diagnostic interview for major depression, current limitations in home, work, and other activities (e.g., leisure), presence of each of 13 chronic medical conditions, and other sociodemographic information were gathered. Regression analyses adjusted for potential confounding of time-dependent and time-invariant covariates. These analyses were performed separately for men and women.


RESULTS
Major depression had a significant adverse impact on all types of activities for the entire community sample, and this impact was generally robust when controlling for potential confounders. Gender differences were observed for leisure activities with depressed men showing a higher likelihood of limitation in these activities than depressed women.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings provide further evidence that major depression leads to impairments in a range of daily activities. Gender differences in the impact of depression on leisure activities may be important to consider in depression treatment.
Breslin
F Curtis
FC
Institute for Work and Health, 481 University Avenue, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9, USA. cbreslin@iwh.on.ca
Gnam
William
W
Franche
Renée-Louise
RL
Mustard
Cameron
C
Lin
Elizabeth
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D012737:Sex Factors