Social position at different points of the life-course and depressive symptoms of men and women in the Czech Republic
Authors:
A. Nicholson 1; H. Pikhart 1,2; R. Kubínová 3; A. Peasey 1; N. Čapková 3; M. Marmot 1; M. Bobák 1
Authors‘ workplace:
International Institute for Health and Society, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health University College London, UK
Vedoucí: prof. Sir Michael Marmot
1; Univerzita Karlova v Praze, 1. LF a VFN, Ústav hygieny a epidemiologie
Přednosta: prof. MUDr. Vladimír Bencko, DrSc.
2; Centrum hygieny životního prostředí, Státní zdravotní ústav, Praha
Vedoucí: MUDr. Růžena Kubínová
3
Published in:
Prakt. Lék. 2008; 88(5): 276-281
Category:
Of different specialties
Overview
Objectives:
Research into social inequalities in depression has studied western populations but data from non-western countries are sparse. In this paper, we investigate the extent of social inequalities in depression in the Czech Republic, the relative importance of social position at different points of the life-course, and whether social patterning of depression differs between men and women.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study examined 3 835 men and 4 398 women in the Czech Republic. Depressive symptoms (16 or above on the CESD-20) were examined in relation to socio-economic circumstances at three phases of the life-course: childhood household amenities; own education; current circumstances (financial difficulties and possession of household items)
Results:
Pronounced social differences in depression were found in men and women. Depression was influenced by current circumstances with a persisting effect from childhood disadvantage but weaker influence of education. Odds ratios for current disadvantage were 2.17 [1.80–2.63] and 1.92 [1.67–2.22] in men and women respectively and for childhood disadvantage were 1.36 [1.06–1.74] and 1.73 [1.43–2.10]. There was a female excess in depression, (sex differential of 1.95 [1.74–2.18]) which was not explained by any social variables.
Limitations:
Cross-sectional data with recall of childhood conditions were used.
Conclusions:
Current social circumstances are the strongest influence on increased depressive symptoms in the Czech Republic but there is persistent effect of childhood disadvantage.
Key words:
social inequalities, depression, social factors, socio-economic inequalities, phases of the live-course, childhood disadvantage.
Sources
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