The association between lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio and depression: Data from NHANES 2015-2018

The relationship of lymphocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR) with depression remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association between LHR and depression in US adults.

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 4216 participants were enrolled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015-2018). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participants were classified as having depression if PHQ-9 scores were ≥10. Multiple logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between the LHR and depression.

Overall, the LHR was significantly associated with depression (per standard deviation increment; adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.14, 1.50]) after adjusted potential variables. Interactions between LHR with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and body mass index (BMI) on the risk of depression were found in stratified analysis (p for interaction < .05).

A higher level of LHR was significantly associated with higher odds of having depression in US adults, and it was strengthened in participants with MetS or BMI ranging from 25 to 30 kg/m² .