Coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with long-term depressive symptoms in Spanish older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Shyam Sangeetha , Gómez-Martínez Carlos , Paz-Graniel Indira , Gaforio José Juan , Martínez-González Miguel-Ángel , Corella Dolores , Fitó Montserrat , Martínez J Alfredo , Alonso-Gómez Ángel M. , Warnberg Julia , Vioque Jesus , Romaguera Dora , López Miranda José , Estruch Ramón , Tinahones Francisco J , Santos-Lozano Jose Manuel , Serra-Majem J. Luís , Cavanillas Aurora Bueno , Tur Josep A. , Martín-Sánchez Vicente , Pintó Xavier , Ramos María Ortiz , Vidal Josep , Alcarria Maria Mar , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emilio , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Nishi Stephanie , Garcia-Regata Oscar , Toledo Estefania , V. Sorlí Jose , Castañer Olga , García-Rios Antonio , Valls-Enguix Rafael , Perez-Farinos Napoleón , Zulet M. Ángeles , Rayó-Gago Elena , Casas Rosa , Rivera-Izquierdo Mario , Tojal-Sierra Lucas , Damas-Fuentes Miguel , Buil-Cosiales Pilar , Fernández-Carrión Rebeca , Goday Albert , Peña-Orihuela Patricia J. , Compañ-Gabucio Laura , Díez-Espino Javier , Tello Susanna , González-Pinto Ana , O Victor de la , Delgado-Rodriguez Miguel , Babio Nancy , Salas-Salvadó Jordi 
Published: August 2024

<p><strong>Background</strong></p>
<p>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has serious physiological and psychological consequences. The long-term (>12 weeks post-infection) impact of COVID-19 on mental health, specifically in older adults, is unclear. We longitudinally assessed the association of COVID-19 with depression symptomatology in community-dwelling older adults with metabolic syndrome within the framework of the PREDIMED-Plus cohort.</p>
<p><strong>Methods</strong></p>
<p>Participants (n = 5486) aged 55–75 years were included in this longitudinal cohort. COVID-19 status (positive/negative) determined by tests (e.g. polymerase chain reaction severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, IgG) was confirmed via event adjudication (410 cases). Pre- and post-COVID-19 depressive symptomatology was ascertained from annual assessments conducted using a validated 21-item Spanish Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models assessed the association between COVID-19 and depression symptomatology.</p>
<p><strong>Results</strong></p>
<p>COVID-19 in older adults was associated with higher post-COVID-19 BDI-II scores measured at a median (interquartile range) of 29 (15–40) weeks post-infection [fully adjusted β = 0.65 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–1.15; p = 0.011]. This association was particularly prominent in women (β = 1.38 points, 95% CI 0.44–2.33, p = 0.004). COVID-19 was associated with 62% increased odds of elevated depression risk (BDI-II ≥ 14) post-COVID-19 when adjusted for confounders (odds ratio; 95% CI 1.13–2.30, p = 0.008).</p>
<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>
<p>COVID-19 was associated with long-term depression risk in older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome, particularly in women. Thus, long-term evaluations of the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and preventive public health initiatives are warranted in older adults.</p>