Depression and socio-economic risk factors: 7-year longitudinal population study.
BACKGROUND
Low socio-economic status is associated with a higher prevalence of depression, but it is not yet known whether change in socio-economic status leads to a change in rates of depression.


OBJECTIVE
To assess whether longitudinal change in socio-economic factors affects change of depression level.


METHODS
In a prospective cohort study using the annual Belgian Household Panel Survey (1992-1999), depression was assessed using the Global Depression Scale. Socio-economic factors were assessed with regard to material standard of living, education, employment status and social relationships.


RESULTS
A lowering in material standard of living between annual waves was associated with increases in depressive symptoms and caseness of major depression. Life circumstances also influenced depression. Ceasing to cohabit with a partner increased depressive symptoms and caseness, and improvement in circumstances reduced them; the negative effects were stronger than the positive ones.


CONCLUSIONS
The study showed a clear relationship between worsening socio-economic circumstances and depression.
Lorant
Vincent
V
Public Health School, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium and Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. lorant@sesa.ucl.ac.be
Croux
Christophe
C
Weich
Scott
S
Deliège
Denise
D
Mackenbach
Johan
J
Ansseau
Marc
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors