Risk factors of depression after prolonged low-dose rate environmental radiation exposure
Journal
International Journal of Radiation Biology
Journal Volume
90
Journal Issue
10
Pages
859-866
Date Issued
2014
Author(s)
Yen P.N.
Lin I.-F.
Chang W.P.
Wang J.-D.
Kuo K.-L.
Hwang J.-S.
Liu I.-C.
Chen Y.-T.
Yang C.-C.
Abstract
Purpose: More than 10,000 Taiwanese people were exposed to excessive protracted low-dose rate radiation from contaminated reinforcement bars, which were installed in buildings before 1992. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of depression amongst the exposed and identify related determinants now that more than two decades have passed since this population was informed of their exposure to radiation. Materials and methods: We used the Beck depression inventory (BDI)-1A questionnaire to survey 2143 eligible people during their annual physical examinations between March 2009 and December 2009. In total, 1621 people participated in the survey. We employed multivariate logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations method to identify the determinants of depression. Results: The prevalence of depression (BDI-IA score ? 12) was 18.7%. Those who exhibited higher cumulative exposure [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-2.07] and a previous history of depression (adjusted OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.36-4.58) were significantly associated with the risk of depression, whereas education level was inversely related to depression (adjusted OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.50-0.99). Conclusion: Long-term, low-dose rate radiation exposure early in life might cause subsequent psychological stress and an increased risk of depression decades later. ? 2014 Informa UK, Ltd.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adolescent; adult; Article; Beck Depression Inventory; child; depression; environmental exposure; female; human; infant; ionizing radiation; long term exposure; major clinical study; male; mental stress; prevalence; priority journal; radiation dose; radiation exposure; radioactive contamination; risk factor; Taiwanese; age distribution; aged; building material; comorbidity; depression; educational status; environmental exposure; epidemiology; indoor air pollution; longitudinal study; middle aged; newborn; preschool child; risk assessment; sex ratio; statistics and numerical data; Taiwan; very elderly; young adult; cobalt; Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Air Pollution, Indoor; Child; Child, Preschool; Cobalt Radioisotopes; Comorbidity; Construction Materials; Depression; Educational Status; Environmental Exposure; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Radiation Dosage; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sex Distribution; Stress, Psychological; Taiwan; Young Adult
Publisher
Informa Healthcare
Type
journal article