Depressive symptoms are not associated with type 2 diabetes in a rural population in China: findings from the Henan rural cohort

Background: Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health challenges that affect all groups of persons. This study examines the association between type 2 diabetes and depressive symptoms (using PHQ-2) in a rural population. Other risk factors of depressive symptoms are examined. Methods: Data from 30,001 participants from the Henan rural cohort was analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between depressive symptoms (DS) and type 2 diabetes and other risk factors. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with confidence intervals (CI) at 95% are reported. Results: The prevalence of DS in the study population is 5.86%, 6.69% in women, 4.74% in men, 5.80% in persons without diabetes and 6.81% in persons with diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed). DS prevalence was highest in persons with previously diagnosed diabetes (8.27%). No association was found between DS and diabetes (aOR = 0.95, CI at 95% 0.61-1.48; p= 0.836). DS was associated with poor glycemic control (aOR = 1.43, CI at 95% 1.04- 1.98; p= 0.034) in persons with previously diagnosed diabetes, persons with elevated triglycerides (aOR = 1.19, CI at 95% 1.08-1.30; p <0.001), household income (aOR = 0.78, CI at 95% 0.63-0.97; p = 0.027), marital status (aOR =1.37, CI at 95% 1.01-1.88, p = 0.049) and hypertension treatment with medication (aOR = 1.94, CI at 95% 1.48-2.55; p<0.001). Limitations: DS was assessed through self-report and may suffer recall or information bias. Conclusions: DS was not associated with diabetes in our study population. The association between poor glycemic control and DS calls for the integration of screening for depression among patients with diabetes.