Researchers at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Describe Findings in Cardiovascular Diseases and Conditions (Health Insurance as a Moderator of Cardiovascular Risk Among Adults with Depression: A Cross-Sectional and Geographic …): Cardiovascular Diseases and Conditions

2026 APR 23 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Insurance Daily News -- Investigators publish new report on Cardiovascular Diseases and Conditions. According to news reporting out of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by NewsRx editors, the research stated, “: Depression is a key psychosocial risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the degree to which lack of health insurance amplifies this risk remains unclear. Geographical disparities in mental health, cardiovascular outcomes, and insurance coverage further complicate prevention efforts.”

Financial support for this research came from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

Our news journalists obtained a quote from the research from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, “Understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial for planning targeted interventions to mitigate population-level cardiovascular risk. To assess whether health insurance modifies the relationship between depression and CVD among adults and to illustrate geographic disparities in combined mental health, cardiovascular risk, and insurance burden across US states and territories. We analyzed Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 2019 to 2023, including adults aged 18 years with complete data on depression, CVD, and health insurance status (n = 457,670). Logistic regression models were employed to estimate the relationship between depression and CVD, adjusting for demographic and behavioral risk factors. An interaction term between depression and lack of health insurance was included to examine moderation. State-level prevalence estimates were used to construct a four-tier composite burden index incorporating depression, CVD, and rates of lack of health insurance. Choropleth maps were developed to depict geographic patterns. Overall, 21.1% of adults were found to have depression, 12.3% had CVD, and 5.8% had no health insurance. Depression was significantly associated with CVD (adjusted OR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.65-1.72). Lack of health insurance significantly moderated the relationship between depression and CVD (interaction OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.18-1.51, < 0.001). Geographic mapping analyses demonstrated marked heterogeneity. Tier 4 (highest burden) states included Kentucky, West Virginia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Jersey, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Many Tier 3 and Tier 4 regions were clustered in the South and Appalachia. Depression is strongly associated with an increased prevalence of CVD, and this association is further amplified among individuals without health insurance coverage.”

According to the news editors, the research concluded: “Geographic disparities demonstrate critical hotspots where simultaneous mental health challenges, elevated risk of CVD, and limited insurance converge, highlighting the need for combined, area-specific public health strategies and approaches addressing both mental and cardiovascular health.”

For more information on this research see: Health Insurance as a Moderator of Cardiovascular Risk Among Adults with Depression: A Cross-Sectional and Geographic Analysis Using BRFSS 2019-2023 Data. Healthcare, 2026;14(7):843. Healthcare can be contacted at: Mdpi, Mdpi Ag, Grosspeteranlage 5, Ch-4052 Basel, Switzerland. (CSIRO Publishing - www.publish.csiro.au; Healthcare - http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/241.htm)

Our news journalists report that additional information may be obtained by contacting Amani Alharthy, Dept. of Health Science, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.

The direct object identifier (DOI) for that additional information is: https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14070843. This DOI is a link to an online electronic document that is either free or for purchase, and can be your direct source for a journal article and its citation.

Publisher contact information for the journal Healthcare is: Mdpi, Mdpi Ag, Grosspeteranlage 5, Ch-4052 Basel, Switzerland.

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