Prevalence of depression in Tunisian general population

Abstract

Introduction

Depression is a major burden for the health-care system worldwide.

Objective

To identify prevalence and severity of depression in Tunisian general population and define socoiodemographic characteristics of screened positive to depression participants.

Method

We undertook a cross-sectional and descriptive study. A total of 134 participants, representative of the Tunisian general population, were enrolled. Age, gender, and educational level were the major criteria for representativeness. Depression was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).

Results

The cut-off score was 10. The prevalence of depression was 13.4%. There were no statistical difference in gender, education and age for the prevalence of depression.

Conclusion

The World Health Organization ranks depression as the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. Thus, the detection of depression and the dissemination of treatment in the general population are very important to reduce the burden of the disease.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.