Scandinavian journal of public health
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Scand J Public Health · Jan 2020
Musculoskeletal pain as a predictor for depression in the general working population of Denmark.
Aim: This study examines the association between musculoskeletal complaints and subsequent use of antidepressants and/or psychiatric hospital treatment for depressive mood disorders in the Danish labour force. Methods: The study is based on two cohorts. The first cohort is the total labour force in 21 Danish municipalities (n=693,860), where the risk of depression (psychiatric diagnosis or antidepressant treatment) during 2010-2015 was compared between individuals on long-term sickness absence due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and non-sick-listed gainfully employed individuals. ⋯ There was also an increased risk of depression associated with self-rated pain (yes vs. no), with a rate ratio of 2.17 (99% CI 1.69-2.78). The population attributable fraction of depression from musculoskeletal pain was 0.35 (99% CI 0.24-0.45). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that musculoskeletal pain is an important predictor of indicators of depression in the general working population of Denmark.