Assessment of the Severity of Depression Symptoms, Knowledge, and Medication Adherence in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Patients' knowledge and medication adherence are crucial in managing major depressive disorders (MDD). Understanding treatment options empowers patients to make informed decisions, while adherence ensures consistent therapy efficacy. Objectives: To assess the severity of depressive symptoms, as well as patients' knowledge regarding their disease and their medication adherence, within the population diagnosed with MDD. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Ali-Kamal Psychiatric Clinic in Sulaimaniyah City, Iraq, on 102 individuals diagnosed with MDD. Data collection utilized questionnaires covering participant characteristics, depression assessment tools such as Beck's Depression Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaires, and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, questions concerning participants' knowledge regarding depression, and medication adherence utilizing Morisky's Medication Adherence Scale-8. Results: The level of depression severity was mild to moderate for 42%, and it was severe for 34.3% of patients. The severity of depression symptoms was moderately severe in most patients (52.9%), followed by moderate (26.5%) and then severe (12.7%). The change in weight and appetite was most common (2.11 ± 0.84), while suicide ideation was the least common (1.15 ± 0.65). The knowledge of 65.7% was poor, and 87.3% was poorly adhered to medication. Conclusions: Nearly one-third of participants exhibited severe depression, while the majority experienced moderately severe symptoms. Additionally, many had insufficient knowledge and demonstrated low medication adherence.