To explore the effect of depression (D) on relative risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke and its relation with awareness and attitude towards the health in female population of 25–64 years in Russia.

Under the third screening of the WHO “MONICA-psychosocial” (MOPSY) program random representative sample of women aged 25–64 years (n=870) were surveyed in Novosibirsk. D was measured at the baseline examination by means of test “MOPSY”. From 1995 to 2010 women were followed for 16 years for the incidence of MI and stroke.

The prevalence of D in women aged 25–64 years was 55.2%. With growth of D levels positive self-rated health reduced and almost 100% of those women have health complaints. Women with major D significantly extended negative behavioral habits: smoking and unsuccessful attempts to give it up, low physical activity, they are less likely to follow a diet. Major D associated with high job strain and family stress. Risk of MI development in women with D during 16 years of study was higher in 2.53 times (95%CI=1.26-24.34; p< 0.05), risk of stroke was higher in 4.63 times (95%CI=1.03-20.89; p< 0.05 MI and stroke rates were more likely in married women having D with average educational level who being in both “managers” and “physical labor” social classes.

The prevalence of D in women aged 25–64 years more than 50%. Women with D had 2.53-fold risk of MI and 4.63-fold risk of stroke over 16 years of follow-up.