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Decreased odds of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation with higher education, depending on sex and employment status

Author

Listed:
  • Vanessa K Tassone
  • Sophie F Duffy
  • Sarah Dunnett
  • Josheil K Boparai
  • Valentina Zuluaga Cuartas
  • Hyejung Jung
  • Michelle Wu
  • Navya Goel
  • Wendy Lou
  • Venkat Bhat

Abstract

Background: Higher education is associated with reduced depressive symptoms and requires investment without guaranteed employment. It remains unclear how sex and employment status together contribute to the association between mental health and educational attainment. This study investigated the role of sex and employment status together in the associations of 1) depressive symptoms and 2) suicidal ideation with education. Methods: Using 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, cross-sectional analyses were conducted on individuals ≥20 years who completed the depression questionnaire and reported their employment status and highest level of education. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore how depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation are associated with educational attainment in an analysis stratified by sex and employment status. To account for multiple testing, a significance level of a

Suggested Citation

  • Vanessa K Tassone & Sophie F Duffy & Sarah Dunnett & Josheil K Boparai & Valentina Zuluaga Cuartas & Hyejung Jung & Michelle Wu & Navya Goel & Wendy Lou & Venkat Bhat, 2024. "Decreased odds of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation with higher education, depending on sex and employment status," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(4), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0299817
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299817
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    References listed on IDEAS

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