Sex-based Association between Depression and Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Middle-aged and Older Adults

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the sex-based association between depression and the development of metabolic syndrome (Mets) among middle-aged and older Korean adults.MethodsA cross-sectional design was used for the secondary analysis of the 2010–2014 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data from 1,938 men and 2,404 women were analyzed. Mets was defined in accordance with the criteria used for clinical diagnosis. Depression was assessed with a question about having clinical depression. The association between depression and the development of Mets with or without adjustment for covariates was identified by conducting logistic regression analysis on weighted data using a complex sample procedure.ResultsMore women than men had depression. Before covariate adjustment, depression was significantly associated with the development of Mets among women (odds ratio [OR], 1.586; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.152–2.183) and with a higher triglyceride level among men (OR, 1.679; 95% CI, 1.001–2.818). After covariate adjustment; depression was significantly associated with higher waist circumference among women (adjusted OR [AOR], 1.532; 95% CI, 1.046–2.245) and higher triglyceride level (AOR, 1.511; 95% CI, 1.029–2.219) than was Mets. Conversely, depression did not have significant effects on the development of Mets among men.ConclusionDepression was associated with the development of Mets among middle-aged and older Korean women. Healthcare providers in communities should assess women with depression for the presence of Mets components. Interventions for relieving depressive symptoms should also be provided to women at risk for Mets.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among Brazilian Adult Population: National Health Survey - 2013

“…Similarly, study conducted in Korea with middle-aged individuals aged 40-64 years found high prevalence among women with 11.7%, compared to 4.1% in men. 39 These findings may be similar to what was found in disease prospective cohort among the Dutch population, where depression was significantly associated with higher WC and triglyceride levels during a 6-year follow-up. 40 In this context these results may imply that older age may be associated with an increased response to stress and cortisol levels, more frequently among women than men.…”

“… 40 In this context these results may imply that older age may be associated with an increased response to stress and cortisol levels, more frequently among women than men. 39 …”

The relationship between depression and risk of metabolic syndrome: a meta‐analysis of observational studies

“…Among cohort studies, the highest and lowest sample sizes were for the studies by Dregan [ 34 ] ( n = 124,445) and Viinamaki [ 35 ] ( n = 223), respectively. Results were reported by gender in four studies [ 13 , 25 , 36 , 37 ] and by type of depression (typical vs. atypical) in one study [ 38 ]; these studies were included in the analysis as two separate studies. In addition, three cross-sectional studies reported their results by gender; these were included in the analysis as three separate studies [ 7 , 34 , 39 ].…”

Relationship between Vitamin Intake and Depressive Symptoms in Elderly Japanese Individuals: Differences with Gender and Body Mass Index

“…The prevalence of depression varies, and is higher among woman. Its prevalence in Korean middle-aged and older adults was previously reported to be 4.1% in men and 11.7% in women [ 7 ]. Another study on an older Chinese population suggested that the risk of depression was 1.98-fold higher in women than in men [ 8 ].…”