Depressive Symptoms as a Risk Factor for Injuries
Principal Investigator: Tarzia Chowdhury
Background
Injuries and depressive symptoms pose a significant burden on the healthcare system and society. Injury is the fifth leading cause of death and disability worldwide among those aged 15-59 years, whereas more than 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression globally. Several studies have reported associations between depressive symptoms and falls in older people, and it has been suggested that common pathways for both conditions can explain such associations. The association between depressive symptoms such as disturbed sleep and increased risk of occupational injury has been observed in several cross-sectional and case–control studies, but prospective evidence is lacking.
Objective
This study aims to address depressive symptoms as a risk factor for injuries resulting from falls, motor accidents and other events. Using longitudinal data from IUB Health and Socio Economic Survey, this study will examine whether self-reported depressive symptoms at baseline predicts injuries at follow-up among adults living in rural areas of Bangladesh.