Abstract
Accumulating data suggest that depression is associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but few studies have
investigated potential behavioral mediators of such associations, particularly among women. In this study of healthy young
adult women (n = 225), we examined associations among depressive symptoms, health behaviors, and serum lipid levels. Depressive
symptoms were assessed with the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, and a fasting blood sample was
obtained for serum lipid levels, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein
(LDL-C). Diet was measured using 24-h recalls, and other health behaviors (physical activity, smoking) were assessed via self-report
questionnaire. Results indicated a modest negative association between depressive symptoms and LDL-C levels. Higher levels
of depressive symptoms were also associated with lower total and insoluble dietary fiber intake, both of which were associated
with HDL-C and LDL-C. Mediational analyses indicated a significant indirect effect of depressive symptoms on LDL-C via total
and insoluble dietary fiber in unadjusted analyses, but not in adjusted analyses. The present findings suggest that depressive
symptoms are inversely associated with serum LDL-C levels in young adult women, but that these associations are not likely
mediated by adverse lifestyle behaviors.
investigated potential behavioral mediators of such associations, particularly among women. In this study of healthy young
adult women (n = 225), we examined associations among depressive symptoms, health behaviors, and serum lipid levels. Depressive
symptoms were assessed with the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, and a fasting blood sample was
obtained for serum lipid levels, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein
(LDL-C). Diet was measured using 24-h recalls, and other health behaviors (physical activity, smoking) were assessed via self-report
questionnaire. Results indicated a modest negative association between depressive symptoms and LDL-C levels. Higher levels
of depressive symptoms were also associated with lower total and insoluble dietary fiber intake, both of which were associated
with HDL-C and LDL-C. Mediational analyses indicated a significant indirect effect of depressive symptoms on LDL-C via total
and insoluble dietary fiber in unadjusted analyses, but not in adjusted analyses. The present findings suggest that depressive
symptoms are inversely associated with serum LDL-C levels in young adult women, but that these associations are not likely
mediated by adverse lifestyle behaviors.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10865-012-9409-1
- Authors
- Carolyn Y. Fang, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Robert C. Young Pavilion, 4th Floor, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Brian L. Egleston, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Reimann Building, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Kelley Pettee Gabriel, Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health Austin Regional Campus, University of Texas Administration Building (UTA), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1616 Guadalupe Street, Suite 6.300, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Victor J. Stevens, Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, 3800 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, OR 97227, USA
- Peter O. Kwiterovich, Lipid Research/Atherosclerosis Unit, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, David M. Rubenstein Child Health Building, 200 North Wolfe St., Room 3093, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
- Linda G. Snetselaar, Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Margaret L. Longacre, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Robert C. Young Pavilion, 4th Floor, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Joanne F. Dorgan, Women’s Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Robert C. Young Pavilion, 4th Floor, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Journal Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1573-3521
- Print ISSN 0160-7715