Network Analysis of Depressive Symptomatology in Underweight and Obese Adults. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramos-Vera, Cristian; Serpa Barrientos, Antonio; Vallejos-Saldarriaga, José; Saintila, Jacksaint
• Is Part Of: Journal of primary care & community health. Volume 13(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: body mass index -- depression -- obesity -- Peru -- underweight; Primary health care -- Periodicals; Primary health care -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1177/21501319221096917
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-1319

Abstract

Background: Depressive symptoms can affect people's quality of life and social environment. In addition, in severe situations, they can lead to suicidal behaviors. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the differences in depressive symptoms in underweight and obese Peruvian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out based on secondary data obtained from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI), Lima, Peru. A sample of 10 053 participants was considered, of which 55.96% were women. Two Gaussian plot models were estimated and the levels of depressive symptomatology were compared between the 2 groups (adults with underweight and obese). Results: A total of 1510 (15.02%) were underweight adults and 8543 (84.98%) were obese adults. There were differences in the reporting of depressive symptoms in the underweight group; the most central items were "Depressed mood" (PH2), "Tiredness/low energy" (PH4), and "Psychomotor difficulties" (PH8). Conclusion: This study provides new evidence on the dynamic relationship between depressive symptoms according to the body mass index categories (underweight and obese) assessed.