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Psychologic distress as a predictor of mortality
P D Somervell1, B H Kaplan, G Heiss
1National Center for American Indian, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262.
American Journal of Epidemiology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Psychological distress, measured by the Health Opinion Survey, significantly predicted mortality in a 12-year study. Higher distress levels were associated with nearly double the risk of death, independent of other health factors.
Area of Science:
- Psychological Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Psychological distress is a recognized factor influencing health outcomes.
- Previous research suggests a link between mental well-being and physical health.
- Understanding predictors of mortality is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of psychological distress on mortality over a 12-year period.
- To determine if psychological distress is an independent predictor of mortality, controlling for various confounding factors.
- To explore the robustness of this association under different analytical conditions.
Main Methods:
- A 12-year follow-up study involving 610 individuals from Evans County, Georgia.
- Psychological distress was assessed using the 20-item Health Opinion Survey (HOS).
- Mortality prediction was analyzed using hazard ratios, controlling for age, race, sex, and other health and social variables.
Main Results:
- Psychological distress, measured by total HOS score, was a significant predictor of mortality (Hazard Ratio = 1.93).
- A refined measure of distress symptoms also predicted mortality (Hazard Ratio = 1.94).
- The association remained consistent even after controlling for smoking, cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI, social factors, and pre-existing conditions.
Conclusions:
- Psychological distress, as measured by the Health Opinion Survey, plays a causal role in subsequent mortality.
- The findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological distress in healthcare and public health strategies.
- Further research with larger samples may be needed to confirm findings in restricted analyses.
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