THURS-058 - Associations Between Depressive Disorders and Health Risk Behaviors: An Exploratory Analysis

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover the relationship between depressive disorders and health risk behaviors, such as binge drinking, marijuana use, and HIV-related risky behaviors, among U.S. adults. Analyzing BRFSS 2022 data from 415,132 adults, the study finds no significant association between depressive disorders and increased risky behaviors. However, younger adults, particularly those aged 18-24, are more likely to engage in HIV-related risks (aOR = 13.00, 95% CI = 2.34-9.77) and binge drinking (aOR = 4.77), with nonwhites showing higher rates of HIV-related risky behaviors (aOR = 2.27). These findings highlight the need for culturally targeted interventions to address risky behaviors in diverse populations and promote public health outcomes.

Detailed abstract description: Depressive disorders, common mental health conditions, significantly impact individuals' quality of life and well-being. They are often linked to various health risk behaviors that can exacerbate these challenges. This study delves into the relationship between depressive disorders and specific health risk behaviors, such as binge drinking, marijuana use, and HIV-related risky behaviors, using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. This research aims to highlight the complex relationship between mental health and risk behaviors affecting health outcomes. The findings are crucial for guiding public health interventions for diverse adult populations.

Methods: This study analyzed the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2022 national dataset, which included 415,132 US adults over 18 years old. Chi square test and logistic regression were used to examine the association between depressive disorders and risky behaviors, including binge drinking, current marijuana use (CMU), and HIV risky behaviors (HRB).
The findings indicate that 20.6% of respondents reported depressive disorders, 16.5% engaged in binge drinking, and 14.9% reported CMU. Among those with depressive disorders, only 4.0% engaged in binge drinking. Younger adults (ages 18-24) were at notably higher risk, being thirteen times more likely to engage in HIV-related risky behaviors (aOR = 13.00, 95% CI = 2.34-9.77) and 4.77 times more likely to binge drink. Those aged 25-49 had 3.28 times higher odds of CMU (aOR = 3.28, 95% CI = 2.42-4.45). Nonwhite individuals were 2.27 times more likely to report HIV-related risky behaviors. However, depressive disorders were not significantly associated with increased odds of these risky behaviors.
While depressive disorders impact quality of life, this study found no significant association between depressive disorders and an increased likelihood of engaging in binge drinking, marijuana use, or HIV-related risky behaviors. Notably, younger adults and nonwhite individuals showed higher engagement in risk behaviors, underscoring the need for targeted, culturally tailored public health interventions for these demographics.