Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Degree Granting Department

Anthropology

Major Professor

Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Sarah Taylor, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Daniel Lende, Ph.D.

Keywords

Iron, Depression, TBI, NHANES

Abstract

Problem: Reproductive- aged women are one of the populations most at risk for iron deficiency and depression in the United States. While many studies have looked at the relationship between these two illnesses, none have explored it from a biocultural framework, examining how race/ethnicity affects this relationship. Using data from NHANES, this thesis examined the relationship between iron status (total body iron) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) among reproductive-aged women in the U.S. and how race/ethnicity affects it. Methods. NHANES survey data from 2005-2010 were pulled. Demographic and laboratory data were used to determine eligibility, total body iron, and depressive scores. The data was analyzed using SAS 9.4. Missing data were imputed using PROC MI to create 20 data sets. PROC MI ANALYZE was then used to combine the averages of all 20 in a pooled table to use for analysis. Regression models (PROC SURVEY REG) and logistic regressions (PROC SURVEYLOG) were used to understand the interaction between the two and how race/ethnicity interacts with them. CRP and BMI were also included in the models. Results. Iron deficiency and depression were seen to have a statistically significant relationship. The odds of a woman with iron deficiency also being depressed were 40% higher when compared to their non-iron deficient counterparts. Race/ethnicity did not have a significant effect on this relationship, but BMI did. Conclusion. These results show that there is a very real relationship between iron deficiency and depression that is not affected by race/ethnicity. Iron deficiency is known to vary significantly between racial/ethnic groups, so its lack of significance signals that this issue extends beyond sociocultural categories. This research highlights the importance of looking at iron deficiency and depression in women as a whole instead of two separate problems requiring different solutions.

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