Effect of spiritual intelligence and employment status on the association between education and depressive symptoms among adults in rural Puducherry, India: A mediation analysis

Abstract

Background: Depression is a major global health concern, particularly in India, where it significantly impacts the population’s well-being. The interplay of various factors, including education, employment status, and spiritual intelligence, contributes to the complex landscape of depressive symptoms among adults. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural service areas of a tertiary care medical institution in rural India from March 2021 to September 2022. The study employed structured questionnaires and validated scales to assess depressive symptoms, spiritual intelligence, educational status, and occupational status among participants. Structural equation modelling was used for mediation analysis to evaluate the effect of spiritual intelligence and employment status on the association between education and depressive symptoms. Results: The study included 381 participants, with a prevalence of depressive symptoms at 14.4%. Higher educational attainment was associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.17, 0.67]). Employment status mediated the relationship between education and depression, with employed individuals exhibiting lower odds of depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.22, 0.82]). While spiritual intelligence was higher among those with formal education, its direct impact on depression was not statistically significant. The mediation analysis revealed that a significant portion (77.5%) of the total effect of education on depression was mediated through employment status and spiritual intelligence. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of education and employment opportunities in mitigating depressive symptoms among rural adults. It suggests targeted interventions that promote education and employment support to enhance mental health resilience. While spiritual intelligence may influence mental health outcomes, its exact role requires further investigation.