Prevalence of and factors associated with depression in Thai adult general OPD patients at Phanomprai Hospital, Roi-Et province, Thailand

Abstract

To study about the prevalence of depression and factors related to the depression in general Outpatients Department of Phanomphrai Hospital. The subjects were 425 patients aged 18-59 years old, who received treatment at the hospital during 3[superscript rd]-19[superscript th] March 2010. The tools composed of a structured interview about general information, social support (measured by The Personal Resource Questionnaire), life stress event and depression (measured by HRSR Scale: Diagnostic Screening for Depression in Thai). The variables were determined by percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square, independent t-test and Pearson Correlation. The results of this research were as follow: the prevalence of depression was 11.5%. The severity of the depression was classified as little to moderate 8% and severe 3.5%. Marital status, family member living with, and history of depression was statistically significant related with depression (p<0.001), monthly household income was statistically significant related with depression (p<0.01), gender, occupation, and depression in family was statistically significant related with depression (p<0.05). Social support was statistically significant negative correlated with depression (r = -.647, p<0.001). Stress in life was statistically significant positive correlated with depression (r = .648, p<0.001). Scrupulous diagnosis for depressed subjects, special taking care of vulnerable group, education, and appropriate activities for reducing risk factors to depression are recommended to improve quality of life among Phanomphrai people.