Sense of coherence as a predictor of onset of depression among Japanese workers: a cohort study

BMC Public Health

Research Article

Kazumoto Kimura¹  Toshimi Sairenchi²  Yasuo Haruyama²  Takashi Muto²  Keiko Wada³  Yumiko Ishikawa³ 

[1] Center for Medical Informatics, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Shimotsugagun-Mibu, Japan;Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsugagun-Mibu, Japan;Dokkyo Medical University School of Nursing, Shimotsugagun-Mibu, Japan;

关键词: Sick Leave;    Medical Certificate;    Japanese Worker;    Future Onset;    Mental Health Questionnaire;   

DOI  :  10.1186/1471-2458-11-205

 received in 2010-08-06, accepted in 2011-04-01,  发布年份 2011

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe ability to predict future onset of depression is required for primary prevention of depression. Many cross-sectional studies have reported a correlation between sense of coherence (SOC) and the presence of depressive symptoms. However, it is unclear whether SOC can predict future onset of depression. Therefore, whether measures to prevent onset of depression are needed in for persons with low SOC is uncertain. Thus, the aim of this cohort study was to determine whether SOC could predict onset of depression and to assess the need for measures to prevent onset of depression for persons with low SOC.MethodsA total of 1854 Japanese workers aged 20-70 years in 2005 who completed a sense of coherence (SOC) questionnaire were followed-up until August 2007 using their sick-pay records with medical certificates. Depression was defined as a description of "depression" or "depressive" as a reason for sick leave on the medical certificates. The day of incidence of depression was defined as the first day of the sick leave. Risk ratios of SOC for onset of depression were calculated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsOf the 1854 participants, 14 developed depression during a mean of 1.8 years of follow-up. After adjustment for gender and age, the risk ratio of high SOC compared with low SOC for sick leave from depression was 0.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04 to 0.79). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of SOC was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.58 to 0.82).ConclusionsThe SOC may be able to predict onset of depression in Japanese workers. Measures to prevent onset of depression for persons with low SOC might be required in Japanese workplaces. Thus, SOC could be useful for identifying persons at high risk for future depression.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Sairenchi et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2011