Correlates of depressive symptoms in a representative sample of young Australian women

Bibliographic Data

ID11510908
AuthorsCate France (Research Centre for Gender and Health, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia, corresponding author), Christina Lee (0000-0003-3138-9867, The University of Queensland), Jennifer R Powers (0000-0001-8434-3382, University of Newcastle Australia), Jennifer Powers (Research Centre for Gender and Health, University of Newcastle , Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia)
Year2004
Volume39
Issue3
Pages228-237
Publication date2004-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAustralian Psychologist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0005-0067 • E-ISSN: 1742-9544
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00050060412331295054
OpenAlexW2077742527
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited36

This paper presents a descriptive analysis of the prevalence of depressive symptoms among a national cohort of young Australian women, and the characteristics of those who experience them. It explores the associations between demographic and health-related variables and depressive symptoms in a representative sample of 9333 Australian women aged 22-27 years, from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Approximately 30% of these young women indicated that they were experiencing depressive symptoms, as indicated by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). After adjusting for age and rurality of residence, depressive symptoms were related to the following demographic variables: low income, low educational qualifications, a history of unemployment, not being in a relationship, and living arrangements other than living with a partner. Those health-related variables that were significantly associated with depressive symptoms included frequent visits to doctors and medical specialists, and a higher number of physical symptoms experienced and diagnoses made. More illicit drug use, higher use of cigarettes and alcohol, and lower exercise status were also significantly associated with depressive symptoms. This analysis supports the view that depression is one aspect of a multifactorial cluster of negative conditions across several domains of functioning, including physical ill-health, risky behaviours, and marginal social status. The complex interactions between these conditions, of which depression is only one, underscore the difficulties that arise in the treatment of depression and support the value of preventive interventions as an important public health strategy

Depression (economics · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public health · Residence · Clinical Psychology · Demography · Employment and Welfare Studies · Epidemiology · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Gerontology

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