Predictors of depression among clients attending Pantang Psychiatry Hospital 2019-2021, Ghana
- Mental health
Background
Globally, 3.80% of people suffer from depression, one of the mental health conditions (MHCs) that can affect anyone. Known associated factors include chronic illnesses, financial difficulties, and lack of social support . Untreated depression can lead to poor quality of life. Studies conducted by Amu et al, (2021) revealed the prevalence of depression is about 25.00% in some regions of Ghana. Given the increase in cases of depression, we analysed data from Pantang Psychiatry Hospital (PPH), a major psychiatry facility in the county to determine the predictors of depression.
Methods
Secondary data on MHCs were reviewed from 2019-2021. Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical diagnosis were extracted from the attendance register for analysis. We conducted descriptive statistics to estimate proportions. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to estimate odds ratio. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05.
Results
Of the 8,766 records reviewed, 1,281(14.60%) were diagnosed with depression. Median age was 34 years, interquartile range of 26-45 years. Depression was highest in the age group 30-39 years with prevalence of 388(4.4%). Predictors of depression were being females (AOR: 2.42, 95% CI: 2.10-2.77), senior high school (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.30-2.17) and tertiary (AOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.73-2.89) education. As compared to singles, married, widowed and the divorced/separated had higher odds of depression (AOR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.70-2.38), (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.92-3.42) (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.94-3.05) respectively.
Conclusion
Fifteen out of hundred cases were depressed. Females were more vulnerable to depression than males. Marital status, particularly those who are widowed or divorced and tertiary students have increased susceptibility to depression.
Education and regular screening programs are needed for detection of depression among vulnerable groups in our institutions and treatment of clients should be intensified nationwide.
Globally, 3.80% of people suffer from depression, one of the mental health conditions (MHCs) that can affect anyone. Known associated factors include chronic illnesses, financial difficulties, and lack of social support . Untreated depression can lead to poor quality of life. Studies conducted by Amu et al, (2021) revealed the prevalence of depression is about 25.00% in some regions of Ghana. Given the increase in cases of depression, we analysed data from Pantang Psychiatry Hospital (PPH), a major psychiatry facility in the county to determine the predictors of depression.
Methods
Secondary data on MHCs were reviewed from 2019-2021. Socio-demographic characteristics and clinical diagnosis were extracted from the attendance register for analysis. We conducted descriptive statistics to estimate proportions. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to estimate odds ratio. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05.
Results
Of the 8,766 records reviewed, 1,281(14.60%) were diagnosed with depression. Median age was 34 years, interquartile range of 26-45 years. Depression was highest in the age group 30-39 years with prevalence of 388(4.4%). Predictors of depression were being females (AOR: 2.42, 95% CI: 2.10-2.77), senior high school (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.30-2.17) and tertiary (AOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.73-2.89) education. As compared to singles, married, widowed and the divorced/separated had higher odds of depression (AOR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.70-2.38), (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.92-3.42) (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.94-3.05) respectively.
Conclusion
Fifteen out of hundred cases were depressed. Females were more vulnerable to depression than males. Marital status, particularly those who are widowed or divorced and tertiary students have increased susceptibility to depression.
Education and regular screening programs are needed for detection of depression among vulnerable groups in our institutions and treatment of clients should be intensified nationwide.