The Association Between Age at First Live Birth and Depression: Results From NHANES 2005–2018

Abstract

Background

This cross-sectional study, utilizing National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANESs) data from 2005 to 2018, examines the association between age at first live birth and depression among women aged 12 years or older.

Methods

Data encompassed 10,399 participants, with 1260 exhibiting depressive symptoms. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) assessed depression. Age at first live birth was categorized as <18, 18–25, and >25.

Results

Women with depressive symptoms were more likely to be single, have lower incomes and education levels, be smokers, and exhibit higher body mass indexes (BMIs) or sleep disorders. Younger age at first live birth correlated with higher depression prevalence. Univariate analysis shows decreased depression chances for women with first live births at 18–25 (47% decrease) or >25 (76% decrease), with an 11% reduction for every year increase in age at first birth. Multivariate analyses confirm a significant association between age at first live birth and depression, even after adjusting for various factors.

Conclusion

This study underscores the association between age at first live birth and depression, highlighting the need for considering reproductive history in mental health assessments. The findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of this relationship, demonstrating the impact of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on mental health outcomes among women.