Sociodemographic Pattern of Depression in Urban Settlement of Karachi, Pakistan

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a global issue prevalent among developing countries like Pakistan as compared to developed countries. We conducted a study to assess the prevalence and identify the significant predictors of depression in an elite urban settlement in Karachi, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done in the elitist residential area of Karachi; Defence Housing Authority (DHA). Four hundred and twenty three participants were included by going to their residences. Self-administered questionnaires were handed out after taking informed consent. Level of depression was assessed by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data were entered and analysed in Predictive Analytical Software v. 18.0. RESULTS: The mean and median total score of the scale were 5.9 ± 5.4 and 4 (7) respectively with minimum score 0 and maximum 27. In this sequence, 139 (32.86%) respondents were identified to be depressed. It was found that females were slight more depressed than males (p = 0.063). Regression Model identified only gender and marital status as significant predictors of depression. Having a female gender increased 0.658 times chance of being depressed (p = 0.047). Unmarried person had 0.296 times more likely to be depressed (p = 0.019). Boredom was considered as significant factor of depression by the participants (p< 0.0001). Odds ratio signified depression occurred 0.310 times more if one was bored. DISCUSSION: Depression should be considered as a major public health issue for the city. Public awareness should be done in all parts of the city in an attempt to reduce depression especially among the female gender.