A Study on Socio Demographic and Psychological Risk Factors for Depression among Adult Population of Karimnagar District

Mental and physical health make up two fundamental ingredients of life that are intimately blended together and mutually interdependent. Mental disorders of depression are always neglected due to non-specificity in diagnosis, vague clinical presentations, long-term and varied treatment, and various myths and beliefs leading to social stigma.

To assess the prevalence of depression among the general population and to study the socio demographic and psychological factors in relation to depression.

Prevalence of depression was 12.74% in the study population. In the study population, the age group 41–60 years were more depressed 5.7%. Female respondents were at higher risk of depression as compared to male. Out of these 54 (4%) depressed respondents were having family history of depression. Family history of depression was associated with an outcome of depression (P<0.001). 7.4% depressed people were having financial difficulties.

Based on the above results, this study showed the high prevalence of depression among adults to be 12.8% in Karimnagar district. This reflects strengthening of family relations, social factors like gender difference, economic status and financial problems and other factors to be rectified with existing resources. Ultimately awareness, importance of depression problem and its early identification to be educated to the adult population by medical and paramedical workers.