Depression Associated With Sexually Transmitted Infection in Canada

The researchers undertook the current study to determine the association between sexually transmitted infection (STI) and the prevalence of depression in the general population of Canada.

The data analyzed in the study were derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey, which was conducted in 2003 and included 21,560 participants ages 15-49. A logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between depression and STI history, taking into consideration confounding factors (gender, age, marital status, household size, income, education, immigrant status, alcohol use, smoking status, and number of chronic diseases) as well as effect modifiers.

Among the study subjects, 5.3 percent reported a history of STI, and 7.9 percent had depression. There was a significant association between STI history and depression: odds ratio 1.5 for men (95 percent CI 1.1-2.2) and 1.8 for women (95 percent CI 1.4-2.3). The association was significant in men younger than 35 but not in older men. In men with a high income level, the association tended to be stronger. Among female subpopulations, the association between STI and depression was relatively consistent.

"There is a significant association of depression with STI," the authors concluded. "Health professionals should be aware that groups of STI patients are more likely to have depression" and deal with those patients accordingly.

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