Gender differences in the association between depressive mood and mortality: A 12-year follow-up population-based study

Abstract Background Depressive mood has been associated with all-cause mortality in both men and women. This study aimed at exploring gender differences in the association between depressive mood and specific causes of mortality as well as factors that may account for it, including education, marital status, social support, health behaviors, and chronic diseases. Methods A population-based survey including 6043 subjects (2892 men and 3151 women) was conducted in 1996 in the north-east of France with a questionnaire covering education, marital status, social support, health behaviors (smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index), and chronic diseases. Depressive mood was measured using the Duke Health Profile questionnaire. Cox regression models were used to examine its association with subsequent natural all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular and cancer mortality. Results During a follow-up of 12.5 years, 406 men and 303 women died from a natural cause. Adjusting for all covariates, depressive mood predicted natural mortality in both men [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.69] and women (HR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.06–1.77). However, this association was significant for cardiovascular mortality in men (HR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.00–2.65) whereas it was significant for cancer mortality in women (HR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.11–2.64). Limitations Baseline data were self-reported and the response rate was low. Discussion Preventive strategies aiming at reducing the increased mortality associated with depressive mood should take gender into account. Depressed men may warrant a better screening for cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, whereas depressed women may benefit from better cancer prevention measures.