Precariousness and depressed mood: a network analysis in the multi-ethnic HELIUS study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Precariousness, defined as life insecurity and instability, impacts multiple life domains and is linked to mental health issues.
• Migration background may influence the association between precariousness and mental health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between precariousness across various life dimensions and depressed mood.
• To compare these associations among individuals with and without a migration background.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 22,039 participants in the HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study.
• Assessed 13 indicators of precariousness (employment, financial, housing, cultural, social) using self-report and neighborhood data.
• Classified depressed mood using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and analyzed data with network models stratified by migration background.

Main Results:

• 14.6% of participants experienced depressed mood.
• Experiencing precariousness in at least four dimensions increased depressed mood prevalence from 22.1% to 46%.
• Associations between depressed mood and precariousness indicators were largely consistent between those with and without a migration background, though specific factors like lost friendship and health literacy were additionally associated in the migration background group.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with and without depressed mood exhibit distinct patterns of precariousness.
• The relationship between precariousness and depressed mood is largely consistent across individuals with and without a migration background.