原著
Social Capital and Incident Depression Among Community-dwelling Middle-aged and Older Adults in Japan:
A 7-year Cohort
2026 年 76 巻 1 号 p. 19-29
詳細
2026 年 76 巻 1 号 p. 19-29
Background & Aims: Prospective studies on social capital (SC) and depression in middle-aged adults are limited. The effects of SC on mental health vary by dimensions and population characteristics. Herein, we examined the associations between three SC indicators and depression, assessing the effect modification by gender, age, residence, income, and chronic disease status in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults in Japan.
Methods: Data from 7,352 adults aged 40-69 years in the Komo-Ise cohort (1993-2000) were analyzed. Depression was assessed using the mood disorder module of the Primary Care Evaluation for Mental Disorders. SC indicators were social participation frequency, reliable friendships, and neighborhood relationships. Logistic regression adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and behavioral factors was conducted.
Results: Overall, 148 participants (2.0%) developed depression. Participants with reliable (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]＝0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-0.96) or uncertain (AOR＝0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.97) friendships had lower odds of depression, compared with those without reliable friendships. Its protective effect was significant among women, low-income participants, and those with chronic disease. Neutral neighborhood relationships were protective among high-income participants.
Conclusions: Reliable friendships lower depression risk, particularly in vulnerable groups, highlighting the importance of mental health strategies.
