Metabolic Syndrome and Depressive Symptoms in a Primary Health Care Setting in Turkey

Background: The possible association between depressive symptoms and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has recently become an important topic of discussion. There is some limited and inconsistent evidence in the literature concerning whether or not depression and metabolic syndrome are associated. The aim of this study was to examine the association between depressive symptoms and metabolic syndrome. Methods: This is a cross-sectional community-based study. The setting is a family practice unit in an urban area which serves about 3,600 people. The participants were 250 individuals aged 18 and over, selected randomly from all enrolled patients in this family practice unit. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP- ATP-III) criteria were used for the classification of metabolic myndrome (MetS). The Beck Depression Inventory was filled out by the participants for the evaluation of depressive symptoms. Results: The prevalence of MetS was similar for men (48.8%) and women (48.1%) and increased with age in both sexes. Participants with only primary education were found to be 2.2 times more at risk of developing MetS than participants with a higher education. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among women (31.0%) than men (9.9%). Statistical analyses revealed no statistically significant association between MetS and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The prevalence of MetS was found to be high in both sexes. Women had a 3.8 times higher risk of developing depressive symptoms than men. We found no association of depressive symptoms with MetS or with any of the MetS criteria.