Frequency and correlates of depression at the primary health care level in Belgrade

Abstract

Introduction/Objective The prevalence of depression in primary care is relatively high. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of depression among patients in Zvezdara Primary Health Care Center in Belgrade. We also examined the relationship between depression and individual risk factors (socio-demographics, lifestyle characteristics, and health-related factors).

Methods A cross-sectional study, which included 422 adult patients, under 65 years of age, was conducted at the Zvezdara Primary Health Care Centre in Belgrade, Serbia, during January of 2018. The instrument used was Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (cut-off score ≥10). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results Depression, at least of moderate intensity, was found in 36%of the respondents. Around 1.4% of the participants confirmed suicidal thoughts almost every day during the previous two weeks. The logistic regression model showed the association with depression and being married (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.13–0.44), single (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0,22–0.83), unemployment (OR: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.51–9.76), lifetime contact with mental health services (OR: 3.79, 95% CI: 2.19–6.57), and regular treatment for chronic illnesses (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.94–5.34).

Conclusion This study found a relatively high prevalence of depression among patients in the primary health care center. We found an association between depression and marital status, employment, previous contact with mental health services, and regular treatment for chronic illnesses. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 instrument could be implemented in primary health care settings in Serbia.

Keywords: depression; prevalence; primary health care