PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION IN GYNECOLOGICAL OUTPATIENTS IN BASRA CITY

Background: Depression is an important mental health problem that may be underrecognized among women presenting with gynecological complaints. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive disorder among women attending gynecological outpatient clinics and assess its association with selected sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at gynecological outpatient clinics of Al-Basra General Hospital and Al-Basra Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital from May to August 2011. The study included 150 gynecological patients and 150 age-matched controls. Depression was assessed using the International Diagnostic Checklist for ICD-10. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17, with a P value ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Depression was identified in 46.6% of gynecological patients compared with 18.7% of controls. Among depressed patients, 28.6% had mild, 34.3% moderate, and 37.1% severe depression. Depression was not significantly associated with age or educational level. However, higher frequencies were observed among unemployed, single or divorced/widowed, and rural-residing patients. Reduced energy (94.4%), depressed mood (91.2%), and sleep disturbance (90.0%) were the most frequent symptoms among depressed patients. Conclusion: Depression was common among gynecological outpatients and was associated with employment, marital status, and residence. Greater attention to recognition and assessment of depression in gynecological outpatient settings is warranted.