Intimate Partner Violence, Depression and Overweight/obesity - A Population-Based Study on Women in 7 U.S. States
Background: Studies revealed significant associations between overweight/obesity and depression as well as between intimate partner violence (IPV) and depression. However, the relationship between overweight/obesity and IPV, and the roles depression played in this relationship is lacking.Objective: This study aims to explore the relationships among overweight/obesity, IPV and depression based on a large-scale population-based survey.Methods: Data were obtained from 2006 nationwide Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). All women from 7 U.S. states where they answered questions in bodyweight, depression and IPV were included. Weighted multiple logistic modeling were utilized for analysis. Results: Out of 14,362 total females respondents, 8,066 (56.16%) reported as overweight/obese (BMI>25). Comparing to normal weight group, over/obese group has higher prevalence of depression (16.56% vs. 8.26%) and IPV (physical 11.99% vs. 11.51%, both physical and sexual 8.22% vs. 6.96%). After adjusting for demographics, other related health conditions and risk behaviors, overweight/obesity is significantly associated with depression (aOR = 1.3689; 95% CI 1.1153, 1.6801, P = 0.0027). Association between overweight/obesity and IPV is marginally [aOR = 1.2032; 95% CI (0.9319, 1.5535), P = 0.1560] but becoming weakened after adjusting for depression and other factors. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity is associated with depression, and marginally and indirectly related to IPV. Further studies on exploring the mechanisms of these relationships are needed.
BRFSS, depression, Intimate partner violence, Overweight/obesity
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