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Publications

Journal Article Ahead of print

PubMed: 42552765 DOI: 10.1177/01939459261464350

Sex and Age Disparities in Depression Incidence and Subsequent Hospitalization: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study and Implications for Nursing Practice.

West J Nurs Res

Authors: Ya-Wen Lin, Fung-Chang Sung, Wei-Fen Ma, Cheng-Li Lin, Ming-Hung Lin

Affiliations

  • Department of Nursing, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. Department of Nursing, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
  • Department of Health Services Administration, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
  • Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
  • Department of Nursing, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
  • Department of Nursing, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
  • Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan. Department of Nursing, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Depression is a leading cause of global disability. Although women consistently exhibit a higher incidence, little is known about how sex and age influence severe outcomes, such as hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE

Utilizing one of the world's largest nationwide cohorts, this study aimed to elucidate these disparities and their implications for nursing practice and mental health care.

METHODS

In this nationwide nested case-control study, we identified more than 1.9 million incident cases of depression from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. We compared hospitalization risks by sex, age, and socioeconomic status (SES) using multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

RESULTS

Women exhibited a higher incidence of depression than men (female-to-male adjusted rate ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-1.56). Conversely, men with depression had a greater risk of hospitalization (aOR = 1.42; 95% CI, 1.41-1.43). Young adults (18-29 years) had more than a tenfold increased risk of depression-related hospitalization compared with individuals aged 75 years and older. Low-income and blue-collar groups faced nearly threefold higher risks.

CONCLUSIONS

This dissociation between the incidence and severity of depression challenges conventional assumptions and carries significant implications for nursing practice. Nurses and other healthcare professionals play a crucial role in identifying high-risk individuals-particularly men, younger adults, and those of low SES-who may delay seeking help until their condition severely deteriorates. Nursing-led early screening, psychosocial assessment, and continuous follow-up are essential to prevent hospitalization and promote mental health equity.

MeSH

Depression, Hospitalization, Incidence, Nursing, Cohort Studies, Sex Characteristics, Sex, Research, Mental Health, Sex Differences