Mediating role of the ratio of family income to poverty in the association between depressive symptoms and stroke: Evidence from a large population-based study.

BACKGROUND

Previous investigations have established a notable correlation between depressive symptoms and stroke incidence, as well as the link between stroke occurrence and the ratio of family income-to-poverty ratio (PIR). The intricate dynamics between depressive states and the incidence of stroke mediated by PIR, however, remains inadequately understood.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research is to scrutinize the link between depressive states and stroke, assessing how PIR functions as a mediator in this dynamic. Through an analysis of the economic status of individuals exhibiting depressive symptoms, this study explores their potential influence on the susceptibility to stroke. Such analysis aims to uncover the intricate interactions among depression, the PIR, and stroke occurrence.

METHODS

Data from 2015 to 2018 NHANES assessed adults' depressive symptoms using PHQ-9 scores. Participants reporting a stroke diagnosis by medical professionals were identified as the stroke cohort. The income levels were assessed using the PIR. To examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and stroke, weighted multivariate linear regression models, curve-fitting analyses, and subgroup assessments were employed, alongside mediation analyses to determine the role of PIR as a mediator.

RESULTS

In the analysis of 7204 participants, the data revealed a robust positive association between depressive symptoms and stroke risk within the comprehensively adjusted model. Additionally, the mediation analysis demonstrated that the PIR contributed to 10.3188 % of the explained variability in the link between depressive symptoms and stroke incidence, serving as a specific mediator of this association.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this research indicate that there is a significant positive link between depressive symptoms and the incidence of stroke, with the PIR serving as a notable mediator.