The relationship between skipping breakfast and depression among workers with a focus on psychosocial factors

Abstract Objective Previous studies have indicated that skipping breakfast is not only detrimental to physical health, but is also associated with depression. Myriad psychosocial factors are associated with both skipping breakfast and depression. However, previous research failed to account for these potential psychosocial factors. The aims of this study were to (a) explore the factors associated with breakfast consumption, and (b) investigate the association between the frequency of breakfast consumption and depression, adjusted for various forms of psychosocial confounders by analyzing previously collected data concerning Japanese workers. Result Participants were 575 employee across three Japanese worksites. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Frequency of breakfast consumption was categorized into 6 levels. Multi-regression analysis suggested that skipping breakfast was associated with high trait aggression, living alone, and low levels of physical exercise. Logistic regression suggested that skipping breakfast was associated with depression, even after adjusting for potential psychosocial factors including trait aggression, resilience, physical exercise, consumption of fish and fried food, social support, and life events cannot be ruled out.