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Abstract
During the previous thirty years, the United States has experienced epidemic levels of chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. In the same time period, an increase in mental illness has occurred with increased rates of depression, suicide, drug abuse, and extremist acts, such as mass gun violence. Population data from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) was used to determine if there is an underlying link between physical health and mental health, and the magnitude of effect that each unique attribute has on individuals self-reported mental health. Survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was used to analyze the effect of individual’s socioeconomic and general health attributes on the individual’s self-reported mental health. Research on metabolic and mental health diseases yielded the included variables. In all, the dependent research variable (Mental Health) and 53 predictors are included in the data set that ranges from 1993-2017 with a total of 5,492,290 observations for each predictor. Using a random sub-sample of 10,000 individuals, three (3) independent, zero inflated negative binomial models were tested across multiple sub samples.This model’s results, along with current metabolic research, point to a link between depression and related mental health disorders and poor physical health. The variable categories of Income, Checkup, Smoking Status, Activity Status, BMI Category, and self-reported General Health had the most consistently statistically significant results. The model was tested across randomly generated sub samples, with individual’s General Health, BMI category, Income and time since last routine Checkup having the greatest impact on the expected number of poor mental health days, keeping all other variables constant. Subsequent research behind the mechanisms of the statistically significant variables is needed to better target resources and health care policy. To better understand the compounding effects of risk factors on mental health, it is necessary to complete further joint significant studies and analysis. One option moving forward is to focus on fixing patients’ existing metabolic deficiencies prior to administering pharmacological treatment for depression and other mental illnesses. Additionally, prospective health policy should target resources to high risk individuals and communities, enabling individuals to receive the care they need.