Associations between body mass index, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and depressive symptoms: NHANES 2015-2016.

OBJECTIVE

Studies have shown associations between Body Mass Index (BMI), High-Sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP), and depressive symptoms(DP). However, the complex relationship between them remains uncertain. The objective of this research is to examine the correlation between them in a substantial sample that is representative of the national level.

METHODS

Our analysis was based on the 2015-2016National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).DP was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis and stratified analysis, we examined the relationship between BMI, HSCRP, and DP. We applied generalized additive models to explore the non-linear relationships among variables.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 4834 participants. The results revealed that BMI (=0.002) and HSCRP (=0.008) were risk factors for DP. The relationship between BMI and DP (=0.035), BMI and HSCRP (<0.001) were non-linear. The nonlinear association between HSCRP and DP (=0.031), BMI and DP (=9e-04) is significant in females when stratified by gender. No nonlinear association was found between BMI and DP ( =0.677) and between HSCRP and DP ( =0.439) in males. The results of the interaction test reveal a significant interaction between HSCRP and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Research has found both BMI and HSCRP are risk factors for DP and the relationship between them was non-linear. The nonlinear associations between BMI and DP, as well as between HSCRP and DP, are gender-dependent.