Research Question: To examine the relationship between education level and depression among adults 20 and above, having socioeconomic status as a confounder, which will be measured by income ratio, and whether this relationship is modified by age.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that adults 20 and above with lower education level will be more likely to report depressive symptomology, controlling for socioeconomic status, which will be measured by income. In addition, we expect age to be an effect measure modifier for the relationship between education level and depressive symptomology. The relationship may differ across age groups; younger adults may experience different stressors and societal pressures compared to older adults. Older adults may have greater financial burden and responsibilities than younger adults, which could increase the risk of depression. Also, younger adults’ education has not been determined yet and may be ongoing. They may also choose to pursue further education later in life.
*socioeconomic status is the confounder and age is the effect measure modifier.
