Prevalence and factors associated with mental health status in Parkinson's disease: Data from the 45 and Up Study

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with a range of non-motor symptomologies such as anxiety and depression.

Objective

The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with mental health status in persons with PD.

Design

This retrospective data linkage study analysed a subset of data from the Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study based in the population of the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data was analysed between 2005-2009 of persons who self-identified with PD. Secure data access was provided through the Sax Institute’s Secure Unified Research Environment (SURE). Participants were aged 45+ years of age and living in NSW, Australia. Regression analysis was performed on psychological distress (K10), previous diagnosis of anxiety, and/or depression, with independent variables for locality, demographic, health, medical, and sociocultural factors.

Findings

A total of 1676 persons self-identified with PD from the 45 and Up Study Wave 1 baseline and were linked to the 2010 Social, Economic and Environmental Factors (SEEF) survey dataset. Mental health manifestations are common in PD with 29% and 32% reporting a previous medical diagnosis of anxiety and depression, respectively. Rural locality was associated with an increased likelihood of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression compared to metropolitan locality.

Discussion

Mental health status in PD was associated with living in rural areas, medical service access, female gender, ageing, physical mobility, Australian born, social interactions, and in a coupled relationship.

Conclusion

Further research is required on the longitudinal impact of these associations on mental health in PD.