Prevalence of depression in women referring to RAFSANJAN city health centers

Prevalence of depression in women referring to RAFSANJAN city health centers Hadavi M (MSc.), Ali dolaki S (MSc.), Holakoyee M (MSc.).

Depression is one of the most common psychological disorders in adults. It often accompanies with task disturbance, inability and low efficiency and can impose heavy expenses to societies. Approximately, women comprise half of population in each society and the prevalence of depression is higher in them than men.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of depression in women referring to health centers to identify those at risk and, therefore, by supporting and increasing their knowledge, promote community health. 350 women referring to health centers from October to November 2003 took part. Data were collected by a questionnaire.

Prevalence rates of mild, moderate and severe depression were %18, %19.9 and %4.3 respectively. Severe depression rates in those under 30, between 30 and 40 and over 40 were %2.3, %4.9 and %6.9 respectively. Women with academic education had no severe depression (P=0.034). Depression rates in employed and household women were %35.5 and %42.7 respectively (P=0.012). %70.6 of women with sever depression had the history of depression in their families (P=0.000). There was no significant relationship between age, marital status, husband’s occupation as well as family income and the prevalence of depression.

It can be concluded that the prevalence of depression is higher in housewives, those over 40, unmarried women and those whose husbands have unstable income.