Association between depression and vitamin D3 among the people attending private clinic in Ernakulam, Kerala, India.

BACKGROUND

Depression is a serious global public health issue due to its significant impact on well-being and quality of life. Since vitamin D3 is involved in more than simply bone health, there has been discussion over its potential link to depression. Despite growing evidence that there is a connection between vitamin D3 deficiency and depression, there is a lack of evidence from India. So this study aims to evaluate vitamin D deficiency and depression among patients attending private clinics in Ernakulam, Kerala, India.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study investigated the association between vitamin D3 levels and depression. This study was approved by the institutional ethical committee of SRM School of Public Health, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, and Tamil Nadu. After getting informed consent from the patients the data regarding socio-demographic profile, Vitamin D and depression was acquired from the patients during their next consecutive follow-up. Participants without significant psychiatric problems or chronic illnesses between the ages of 18 and 49 were enrolled. Serum 25 (OH) D levels were tested, and depression was evaluated using the modified Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Descriptive, Chi-square, and logistic regression analyses were done.

RESULTS

The study was among the 126 participants. Depression was more common in those with low vitamin D3 levels than in those without it (67.2% vs. 32.8%). There is a significant association between depression and demographic variables such as age, gender, and occupation. Under logistic regression, age was found to be a significant predictor, the odds ratios showed that older adults had 12 times the odds of developing depression than younger adults. Males have 2.9 times the odds of developing depression than females.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that there is an association between vitamin D insufficiency and increased depression in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. The identification and treatment of depression should take into account vitamin D3 status since treating vitamin D3 insufficiency may have an impact on mental health outcomes. Prospective investigations ought to delve into longitudinal associations and encompass a range of demographics to reinforce causal deductions and overall applicability.