Childhood adversity and major depression in later life: A competing-risks regression analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between childhood adversities and major depression in older adults over 8 years. Methods: The study sample consisted of 16 946 participants aged 51 years and older from the US Health and Retirement Study. Major depression was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Competing-risks regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of each childhood adversity on late-life major depression and the potential moderation effects of sex, race/ethnicity, and adulthood trauma. Results: After controlling for covariates, childhood adversities including physical abuse by a parent (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49-1.89, P