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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-10-2009 | Original Paper

Trends in socio-economic differences in self-reported depression during the years 1979–2002 in Finland

Authors: Kirsi Talala, Taina Huurre, Hillevi Aro, Tuija Martelin, Ritva Prättälä

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 10/2009

Abstract

Background

Socio-economic differences in depressive symptoms are well reported, but there are only few studies concerning changes in these differences over time. The aim of this study was to assess trends in socio-economic differences in self-reported depression over the time period 1979–2002 in Finland.

Methods

The data source was a representative repeated cross sectional survey “Health Behaviour and Health among the Finnish Adult Population” (AVTK) linked with socio-economic register data from Statistics Finland, for the period 1979–2002. The age group of 25–64 years was included in this study (N = 71,290; average annual response rate 75%). Outcome measure was a single question of self-reported depression. Socio-economic factors included education, employment status and household income. The main analyses were conducted by multiple logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported depression fluctuated in both men and women but remained higher in women compared to men over the past 24 years. After adjusting for age, socio-economic differences in self-reported depression were clear in regard to education, employment status and household income over the time period 1979–2002. When all socio-economic factors were mutually adjusted for, the association with self-reported depression remained significant in the unemployed, the retired and in those in the lowest household income categories in both genders. The effect of education on self-reported depression was mediated by the other socio-economic factors. Based on a time trend analysis, the socio-economic differences in self-reported depression remained stable over the time period 1979–2002.

Conclusions

Socio-economic inequalities in self-reported depression were confirmed, and they have persisted with approximately the same magnitude over the past 24 years.

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Title: Trends in socio-economic differences in self-reported depression during the years 1979–2002 in Finland
Authors: Kirsi Talala
Taina Huurre
Hillevi Aro
Tuija Martelin
Ritva Prättälä
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0009-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Trends in socio-economic differences in self-reported depression during the years 1979–2002 in Finland

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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