Depression, its Correlates and Effects in Ever Married Urban Women Residing in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand
VC08-VC13
Correspondence
Dr. Amandeep Kaur,
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Haldwani-263129, Uttarakhand, India.
E-mail: amansmailbox82@gmail.com
Introduction: In the global context, independent studies on depression show that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from clinical depression. It is also described as an important cause of premature mortality either from physical disorders or from suicides.
Aim: To determine the burden of depression, to identify the related factors and assess its effects on functionality and suicidal ideation.
Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in urban area of Haldwani, Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand, India. Taking anticipated prevalence of depression as 24.9% and taking non-response rate of 15% the sample size was estimated to be 320. Ever married women of age group 18-59 years who gave informed consent were included. Population proportional to size method was used to determine the number of women to be interviewed and individual households were selected by systematic random sampling. The data was collected on relevant factors using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire along with the PHQ-9 scale administration.
Results: Clinically significant depression was present in 18.8% women. Burden of depression was found to be maximum in women belonging to 35-44 years. Significantly higher odds of developing depression was seen in women who stayed in joint families or families with issues of substance abuse, economic instability, and family disputes with husband. Education of children and concern about their future also acted as an important factor along with unsatisfactory self-image. Depression was found to be significantly associated with functionality and suicidal ideation.
Conclusion: Burden of depression was found to be high in the ever-married women residing in urban area and is particularly related with social factors and self-image.