Association between musculoskeletal disorders and major depression among middle-aged and older adults in India

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which impose significant economic and mental health burdens, are a major public health concerns among older population globally. However, evidence on the intersection between MSDs and depression among older adults in India remains limited.ObjectiveThe objective of the study is to investigate the association between musculoskeletal disorders and depression among older Indian adults using nationally representative data.MethodsCross-sectional data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017-2018) were analyzed for 65,311 participants. Depression was measured by validated tool the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF). Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the nexus between musculoskeletal disorders and depression in middle-aged and older adults.ResultsThe results indicate a significant association between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and depression. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of experiencing depression among those who experienced joint pain or stiffness (aOR: 1.19, CI 1.11-1.29), foot or ankle pain/swelling (aOR: 1.55, CI 1.43-1.68), and back pain or problems (aOR: 1.28, CI 1.19-1.38) were higher compared with those reporting no such conditions. Similarly, individuals who experienced falls or injuries had 50% higher odds of depression (aOR: 1.50, CI 1.38-1.63) than those who didn't experienced falls or injuries.ConclusionAlthough causality cannot be established due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, findings highlight the strong association between MSDs and depression among older adults in India. These results underscore the need for physicians to address mental health alongside MSDs management and to promote preventive and educational programs.