BackgroundResearch results from large, national population-based studies investigating gender differences in weight dissatisfaction and disordered eating across the adult life span are still limited. Gender is a significant factor in relation to weight dissatisfaction and disordered eating. However, the reasons for gender differences in these conditions are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in weight dissatisfaction and disordered eating in the general Swiss adult population and to identify gender-specific risk factors.MethodsThe study population consisted of 18156 Swiss adults who completed the population-based Swiss Health Survey 2007. Self-reported weight dissatisfaction, disordered eating and associated risk factors were assessed. In order to examine whether determinants of weight dissatisfaction and disordered eating (dieting to lose weight, binge eating, and irregular eating) differ in men and women, multivariate logistic regressions were applied separately for women and men.ResultsAlthough more men than women were overweight, more women than men reported weight dissatisfaction. Weight category, smoking status, education, and physical activity were significantly associated with weight dissatisfaction in men and women. In women, nationality and age were also significant factors. Gender-specific risk factors such as physical activity or weight category were identified for specific disordered eating behaviours.ConclusionsThe results suggest that gender specific associations between predictors and disordered eating behaviour should be considered in the development of effective prevention programs against disordered eating.

Objective: University students have a high risk of psychological distress; however, few Australian studies have specifically examined the prevalence of, or risk factors for, depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students and the characteristics of those with depressive symptoms. Method: Participants were randomly selected university students at a large metropolitan university in Victoria, Australia. An online survey was administered in May 2009 to assess depressive symptoms using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (dependent variable) and a broad range of independent variables including students' demographic, study, psychosocial, and mental health characteristics. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine characteristics of those with depressive symptoms. Results: Results estimated the prevalence of mild to extremely severe depressive symptoms as 39.5% among the 800 respondents, with 13% in the severe/extremely severe range. The best-fit regression model accounted for 63% of variance in depressive symptoms. Factors associated with higher depressive symptomatology included high anxiety, stress, and loneliness, low body appreciation, studying law/management, regular binge drinking, and less physical activity. Conclusions: The implications of our findings include the need for further action by higher education policy and decision-makers and more integrated approaches to the development of resilience, mental health promotion, and early intervention among this vulnerable student population.

BackgroundResearch about the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and major depression is limited. This study examined the relationship between moderate to severe PMS and major depression in a population-based sample of women of reproductive age. The objectives of the study were to assess the association between premenstrual syndrome and major depression, to analyse how PMS and major depression differ and to characterise the group of women who report both PMS and major depression.MethodsData were obtained from the Swiss Health Survey 2007. Included in the analysis was data from women under the age of 55 without hysterectomy and who answered the questions on PMS symptoms. The population-based sample consisted of 3518 women. Weighted prevalence rates were calculated and relative risk ratios for PMS, major depression and women who reported both PMS and major depression, were calculated with logistic multinominal logit regression.ResultsThe prevalence of major depression was 11.3% in women screening positive for moderate PMS and 24.6% in women screening positive for severe PMS. Compared to women without any of these conditions, women who reported moderate to severe alcohol consumption had a lower risk for PMS. Women reporting use of antidepressants, and use of oral contraceptives had a higher risk for major depression compared to women without any of these conditions. Women reporting work dissatisfaction had a higher risk for PMS. A higher relative risk to report both PMS and major depression compared to women without PMS or major depression was related to factors such as high psychological distress, low mastery, psychotropic drug consumption, and low self-rated health.ConclusionsThe results suggested that women who suffer from both PMS and major depression are more impaired compared to women with only one disorder. The results further indicated that PMS and major depression are different disorders that can, however, co-occur.