Soybeans or Soybean Products Consumption and Depressive Symptoms in Older Residents in Rural Northeast China: A Cross-Sectional Study.
OBJECTIVE
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders among elderly subjects. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the association between soybeans consumption and depressive symptoms among older residents in rural Northeast China.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A representative sample of the rural Northeast residents.


METHODS
This survey was conducted from July 2012 to August 2013 which randomly selected and examined a total of 1717 residents aged ≥ 65 years from the rural Northeast China.


METHODS
All participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Information on demographic and lifestyle characteristics and blood biochemical indexes were collected by well-trained personnel.


RESULTS
The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the elderly was 8.9%. Women had significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than men (13.3% vs.4.6%, P<0.001). Individuals consuming soybeans ≥4times/week had statically lower possibility to have depressive symptoms than those rarely consuming (3.6%vs. 12.5%, P<0.05). In addition to some conventional risk factors like sex, annual income, educational status, current smoking and chronic diseases status were associated with depressive symptoms, proper sleep duration (7-8h/d) [OR(95%CI):0.28(0.15,0.53)] and frequently consumption of soybeans or soybean products [OR (95%CI): 0.36 (0.15,0.87) for 2-3times/week and OR (95%CI):0.50 (0.34,0.74) for ≥4times/week] significantly decreased the risk of depressive symptoms among elderly in rural Northeast China.


CONCLUSIONS
Women had significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than men in rural China. Individuals who rarely consume soybeans or soybean products are more likely to suffer depressive symptoms. Rural elderly residents should be cautiously screened to prevent or treat depression.
Pro Yingxian Sun, Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang,China. Post code:110001. Telephone 86-24-83282688; fax 86-24-83282346; e-mail: sunyingxian12@aliyun.com.
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D000368:Aged; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D045730:Soy Foods / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013025:Glycine max / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires