Prevalence of depression in users of primary care settings

Authors

  • Mariane Ricardo Acosta Lopez Molina Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Carolina David Wiener Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Jerônimo Costa Branco Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Karen Jansen Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Luciano Dias Mattos De Souza Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Elaine Tomasi Universidade Federal de Pelotas
  • Ricardo Azevedo Da Silva Universidade Católica de Pelotas
  • Ricardo Tavares Pinheiro Universidade Católica de Pelotas

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832012000600003

Keywords:

Depression, depressive disorder, primary care, primary health care, epidemiology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Depression, an important global health problem, negatively impacts the lives of individuals and their families beyond simply increasing the demand for health services. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of depression and associated mental health issues in individuals older than 14 years of age seeking primary care. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three primary care units involved with the Catholic University of Pelotas. Depression, anxiety disorders, and suicide risk were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Factors such as age, gender, solitary living, education, and psychoactive substance use were evaluated using a sociodemographic questionnaire. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depression was 23.9% (n = 256). Depression was more prevalent in women with only 4-7 years of education, in women who belong to socioeconomic class D or E, in those who abuse or are dependent on alcohol, or in women who showed an anxiety disorder or suicide risk (p < 0.050). DISCUSSION: Based on these findings, we emphasize the integration of mental health care into primary care through diagnostic evaluations and treatment protocols that cover depression and its comorbidities.

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Published

2012-01-01

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 6 (2012)

Section

Original Articles

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Prevalence of depression in users of primary care settings. (2012). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo), 39(6), 194-197. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832012000600003