Abstract
Methods
Data were obtained from 9,059 people aged ≥15 years who participated in representative surveys of the South Australian population
in 1998, 2004, and 2008. Major depression was determined using the mood module of the PRIME-MD. Health-related quality of
life was assessed using the SF-36 and 15-item AQoL instruments.
in 1998, 2004, and 2008. Major depression was determined using the mood module of the PRIME-MD. Health-related quality of
life was assessed using the SF-36 and 15-item AQoL instruments.
Results
Mean health-related quality-of-life scores were 8–55% lower (worse), and health service use was 58–85% higher in all unhealthy
BMI groups (underweight, overweight, and obesity) with major depression than in the healthy weight group independent of all
covariates (socio-demographic and chronic medical conditions), consistently over the 10-year period. In contrast, only some
unhealthy BMI groups without major depression had worse SF-36 physical component scores (overweight/obesity), AQoL scores
(underweight/obesity), and health service use outcomes (overweight/obesity), and by only 2–6%.
BMI groups (underweight, overweight, and obesity) with major depression than in the healthy weight group independent of all
covariates (socio-demographic and chronic medical conditions), consistently over the 10-year period. In contrast, only some
unhealthy BMI groups without major depression had worse SF-36 physical component scores (overweight/obesity), AQoL scores
(underweight/obesity), and health service use outcomes (overweight/obesity), and by only 2–6%.
Conclusion
Comorbid major depression explained most of the excess health-related quality of life and health service use in people with
unhealthy BMI, consistently from 1998 to 2008. Interventions and policies that can mitigate the persistent excess population
health and economic burden of major depression are needed.
unhealthy BMI, consistently from 1998 to 2008. Interventions and policies that can mitigate the persistent excess population
health and economic burden of major depression are needed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0101-7
- Authors
- Evan Atlantis, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, SA Health, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Robert D. Goldney, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Kerena A. Eckert, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Anne W. Taylor, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Journal Quality of Life Research
- Online ISSN 1573-2649
- Print ISSN 0962-9343