Abstract
Background: Literature has documented that depression is a sequelae of exposure to wars and widespread violence. In Iraq, high figures of depression have been published.
Objectives: To report on the prevalence of depression among women in the high-crowded area of Al-Sader city, Baghdad.
Method: A total of 440 females were included in this study. They were selected randomly from relatives of patients attending primary health care centers. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II was used to assess depression, and demographic data were collected.
Results: The prevalence of depression was 68.4%. Older women, divorced individuals, and widows were determinants of depression. Education and socioeconomic status were not significant determinants.
Conclusion: High prevalence of depression was observed among women in Al-Sader city.
Introduction
Depression is a common disorder in Iraq, often linked to exposure to wars and conflicts. Previous studies have documented the high prevalence of depression in regions affected by violence, including Lebanon and Syria. This study aimed to examine the effect of socioeconomic status on depression rates in Al-Sader city, a highly crowded area in Baghdad.
Materials and Methods
A total of 440 females aged 31.2 ± 8.5 years were randomly recruited from Al-Sader city between August and December 2016. Participants were relatives of patients attending primary health care centers and were apparently healthy. Demographic data, including age, marital status, education, and occupation, were collected along with crowding index. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II was used to assess depression, with a score >10 indicating depression.
Results
Out of 440 females, 301 (68.4%) were found to be depressed. Of these, 170 (56.5%) had mild depression, and 131 (43.5%) had moderate or severe depression. Age, marital status, and socioeconomic status were evaluated as potential determinants of depression. Detailed findings are summarized in the tables below:
Table 1: Sociodemographic Characteristics
| Variable | N | % |
|---|---|---|
| Age ≤20 | 59 | 13.4% |
| Age >20 | 381 | 86.6% |
| Uneducated | 326 | 74.1% |
| Educated | 114 | 25.9% |
| Single | 44 | 10% |
| Married | 396 | 90% |
| Housewife | 397 | 90.2% |
| Working | 43 | 9.8% |
| Crowding ≤2 | 59 | 13.4% |
| Crowding >2 | 381 | 86.6% |
Table 2: Association Between Depression and Variables
| Variable | Mild Depression (%) | Moderate & Severe Depression (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Age ≤20 | 23.7% | 11.9% |
| Age >20 | 40.9% | 32.5% |
| Single | 34.1% | 11.4% |
| Married | 39.1% | 31.8% |
Discussion
The high prevalence of depression (68.4%) among women in Al-Sader city aligns with previous studies in Iraq. The findings suggest that exposure to wars, violence, and economic hardship are major determinants of depression. Socioeconomic status, reflected by crowding index, was not significantly associated with depression. Age and marital status were significant determinants.
Conclusion
High depression rates were observed among women in Al-Sader city, Baghdad, likely due to prolonged exposure to wars and violence. Efforts to address mental health in such communities must consider these contextual factors.
Leave a Reply