Depressive episodes and depressive tendencies among a sample of adults in Kielce, south-eastern Poland

Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2011, Vol 18, Issue 2

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Previous community research has shown differences in depression and depressive symptoms across different socioeconomic and demographic groups. However, very few population-based studies on depression have been conducted in Poland. The purpose of the present study is to assess depressive episodes and depressive tendencies, and associations of the latter with selected socio-economic and demographic predictors among a sample of adults from Poland.Materials and Methods: Data stem from a community health survey carried out as part of a large prospective study among people aged 45-64 in the Kielce province of south-eastern Poland (n=3,862). Self-reported depressive episodes, depressive tendencies (7 items) and use of antidepressants were measured. Depressive tendencies were modelled as a latent variable and analyzed against selected demographic and socioeconomic predictors.Results: The prevalence of depressive episodes was higher among females (25.0%) than among males (14.7%). When depressive tendencies were modelled as a latent variable, the following predictors were associated with high scores: age (females only), living in rural districts, being a pensioner (not including old age pension), and being unemployed (males only). Scores on depressive tendencies were negatively associated with high education, being self-employed (borderline significance only) and high personal income.Conclusions: Depressive episodes were prevalent among the sample. If the associations between depressive tendencies and demographic variables shown in this study are confirmed by future studies, it suggests that action should be taken to offer improved preventive action and improved mental health services – such as early treatment – to females, people living in rural areas, and selected low status segments of the population in particular.

Authors and Affiliations

Leif Edvard Aarø, Aleksandra Herbeć, Johan Håkon Bjørngaard, Marta Mańczuk, Witold A. Zatoński

Keywords

Related Articles

Occupational acquisition of methicillin-resistant [i]Staphylococcus aureus[/i] in humans – A description of MRSA carrier and infected cases from the Region of North Jutland in Denmark

Since 2006 in Denmark, there has been a statutory order on physicians’ notification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Occupational cases notified in North Denmark Region in 2008 and 2009 were analyse...

Self-perception of body by women of child-bearing age

Introduction. In psychology, the way in which we perceive our body is what is called “body image”, a concept which is associated with our social and psychical functioning. A positive image of one’s own body is connected...

Comparison of the toxic effect of pyrethroids on [i]Ixodes ricinus[/i] and Dermacentor reticulatus females

introduction. Despite the increased rates of infestations with[i] I. ricinus (Ir)[/i] and [i]D. reticulatus (Dr)[/i] ticks observed over the last decade, no effective control methods have been developed so far. The resen...

Sequence-based typing of Legionella pneumophila strains isolated from hospital water distribution systems as a complementary element of risk assessment of legionellosis in Poland

Many factors affect the risk of Legionella infection, such as the design, construction and maintenance of water distribution systems, the presence of individuals who may be exposed and their vulnerability to infection, a...

Change in airway inflammatory markers in Danish energy plant workers during a working week

[b]Introduction.[/b] It is well known that exposure to organic dust can cause adverse respiratory effect. The pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS) in the organic dust, such as endotoxin from Gram-negative bacte...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP80386
  • DOI -
  • Views 127
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Leif Edvard Aarø, Aleksandra Herbeć, Johan Håkon Bjørngaard, Marta Mańczuk, Witold A. Zatoński (2011). Depressive episodes and depressive tendencies among a sample of adults in Kielce, south-eastern Poland. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine, 18(2), 273-278. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-80386