The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64114

Amy K. Ferketich, PhD, Division of Epidemiology and Biometrics, The Ohio State University School of Public Health, B-218 Starling-Loving Hall, 320 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, 614-293-4387, ferketich.1@osu.edu and Philip F Binkley, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The Ohio State University, 110 Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, 473 West 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210.

The results of studies examining depression and C-reactive protein have been mixed. The objective of this investigation is to determine the association between depression, gender and C-reactive protein using data from participants aged 18 – 39 years in The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The outcome variable was elevated C-reactive protein, defined as greater than or equal to the 75th percentile of the sex-specific distribution. In a multiple logistic regression model, a highly significant interaction between gender and depression was noted (p = 0.0010). Depressed males had a greater odds of having an elevated level of CRP compared to their nondepressed counterparts (adjusted OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.14 – 2.89), whereas depressed females had a lower odds of an elevated CRP compared to nondepressed females (adjusted OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50 – 0.94). There was also an interaction between gender and time since last depressive episode (p = 0.0009). Compared to males without depression, the adjusted odds ratios associated with a recent episode of depression and an episode more than a year ago among males were 2.19 (95% CI 1.29 – 3.73) and 1.20 (95% CI 0.49 – 2.96). The respective estimates for females were 0.64 (95% CI 0.44 – 0.98) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.48 – 1.37). In conclusion, the effect of depression on level of CRP depends on gender. Among males, depression increases the odds of having an elevated CRP, and men with a recent episode of depression are the most likely to have high CRP. Among women, recent depression lowers the odds of having an elevated CRP.

Learning Objectives:

• Following this presentation, audience members will understand the nature of the relation between depression and heightened immune function.

Keywords: Depression, Gender

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.